Balasore: A truck carrying around 60 cattle overturned on NH 60 near Alalpur under Jaleswar police limits in the district today, killing at least 25 cattle on the spot.
According to sources, the cattle-laden truck was en route to West Bengal when the driver lost control and the vehicle turned turtle. More than 35 cattle were critically injured in the mishap.
On the other hand, the driver and helper of the truck fled the scene after the accident. Later, Jaleswar Police reached the spot and initiated a probe into the incident, sources said.
"The incident occurred at 6 AM today. Our investigation is underway," said IIC of Jaleswar Police Station, Pradeep Majhi.
Meanwhile, the incident has triggered tension among the locals who accused the police of being silent to the rampant illegal cattle transport in the area.
"We have always alerted about the illegal transport of cattle in the area. We urge police to take immediate steps in this regard," said Bajrang Dal Activist, Pawan Kumar Sahu.