TV
Tension flared on National Highway-16 near Nalanga petrol pump in Bhadrak district on Thursday after a pickup van, allegedly engaged in illegal cattle transport, was intercepted by ‘gau rakshaks’ and later set ablaze.
According to sources, the pickup van was reportedly coming from Panikoili area of Jajpur district and was carrying around 12 cows. Acting on a tip-off, the gau rakshaks blocked the vehicle on the highway. The cows were rescued while the vigilantes vandalised the van before setting it on fire.
The sudden blaze on the busy highway created panic among commuters. Fire service personnel rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames before it spread further. However, the vehicle was completely gutted.
Eyewitnesses said the driver of the pickup van managed to flee the spot soon after the incident, evading the angry crowd. The rescued cattle were later handed over to local authorities.
The incident disrupted vehicular movement for some time on the highway. Police reached the site to control the situation and launched a search operation to trace the driver.
Meanwhile, the incident has attracted significant attention, with discussions around law and order and community involvement. Besides, police have launched an investigation into the matter.
