Cattle transported in container trucks ‘rescued’ in Nandyal district

Nearly 200 cattle being transported in five container trucks from Telangana to Tamil Nadu were reportedly rescued by Allagadda MLA and former Minister Bhuma Akhila Priya and her followers in Allagadda town late on Saturday night .

Ms. Akhila Priya, who reportedly intercepted the vehicles near Allagadda along with her brother Bhuma Jagat Vikyat Reddy and followers, said that she got information about alleged illegal transportation of cows in vehicles through Allagadda. “We got specific information about transportation of cows on Saturday late night and reached the highway with our followers and intercepted five container trucks. We were told that the vehicles were going to Pulivendula (in Kadapa district) from Telangana,” she claimed.

Ms. Akhila Priya alleged that the cows were transported in an inhumane manner. “Nearly 70-80 cows were stuffed into each vehicle which is condemnable,” she said, and demanded strict action against those behind their transportation. She also wanted a probe into the purpose of their transportation.

Allagadda Deputy Superintendent of Police K. Pramod told The Hindu that enquiry revealed the cows were purchased by some traders at a market in Pebbair in Telangana and were being transported to another cattle market at Pollachi in Tamil Nadu. “The cattle are very healthy and it seems they were being taken to Tamil Nadu to be sold. Though we are probing all angles, it is unlikely that they were being shifted for slaughtering,” Mr. Pramod said.

Mr. Pramod, however, said they have identified the traders and will question them to ascertain where they were being transported and the purpose for which they were being transported.

The DSP said a case was registered under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. “There were a total of 197 cattle in the five containers. While only 13 animals should be transported in a vehicle of that size, nearly 35-40 were stuffed into it,” he said.

After examination by Animal Husbandry department officials, the cattle were shifted to a Goshala at Nandikotkur, the DSP said.