At least three police personnel of Tigiria police station sustained critical injuries after they were allegedly attacked by cattle smugglers at Gopinathpur Sasan Chhak in Cuttack district during patrolling late Friday night.
The Inspector-in-charge (IIC) of Tigiria police station, a Sub-Inspector (SI), and one Assistant Sub-Inspector (SI) has been injured in the attack. All of them are now undergoing treatment at Tigiria hospital.
Subsequently, Athgarh SDPO conducted a raid in the area and detained two cattle smugglers in this connection. The detained smugglers are being questioned. Further investigation into the incident is underway.
Acting on a tip-off from a reliable source, Tigiria police came to know that three container trucks carrying cattle are passing through the area. Later, they intercepted a cattle-laden container near Gopinathpur Sasan Chhak during patrolling last night. However, the cattle smugglers attacked the police personnel and fled the spot.
Later, other staff of Tigiria police station rushed to the spot and rescued the injured cops. The injured police personnel have been admitted to Tigiria hospital for treatment.
The locals are demanding stern action on part of the police to curb the cattle smuggling racket in the State.
Meanwhile, Athgarh SDPO said that investigation into the incident is on and the rest of the smugglers will be arrested soon.
“Acting on a tip-off, the police personnel of Tigiria police station carried out the raid. We had only four personnel then. There was a tussle while police were trying to stop the vehicle and the smugglers managed to escape. Some of the police personnel have been injured. We have already registered a case in this regard,” said Athgarh SDPO.
“Further investigation into the case is underway. We have detained two persons and their questioning is underway. Others involved in the case will be arrested and forwarded to the court soon,” he added.
As per reports, a number of cattle-laden containers are passing along Tigiria road to Kolkata on a regular basis.