Cattle death sparks protest in Sambalpur

Over 30 cattle comprising bullocks and cows were loaded in a truck from Bargarh area and was being ferried to Kolkata when it overturned as the driver lost control over the vehicle at Kabarapalli, about 10 km from here, police said.

Anticipating trouble, the driver and helper of the truck fled the scene leaving behind the vehicle.

Nine bullocks and three cows died in the accident.

As soon as the news spread, irate people including activists of Bajrang Dal and BJP rushed to the spot and burnt the vehicle shouting slogans against cow slaughtering.

They then resorted to a road blockade on the busy national highway, which linked Kolkata with Mumbai, demanding action against erring officials at different check gates.

Sub-collector, Sambalpur, Bibhuti Bhushan Behera and SDPO, Sambalpur (Sadar), Dilip Kumar Deo rushed to the spot.