Bhadrak: Tension ran high at Nua Bus Stand area here after 12 cattle including nine bulls were rescued while being reportedly smuggled in a dak parcel container on Monday night.
According to sources, police intercepted a truck during vehicle inspection near Bhadrak town bypass and discovered nearly a dozen cattle concealed inside the container. After preliminary investigation, cops found that the animals were being transported illegally to some other place. However, the exact details on the incident, source and destination of the illegal consignment are yet to come to light as driver and helper of the truck managed to escape.
Irate over the illegal trafficking of the animal, the locals blocked the road near new bus stand area and alleged the inefficiency of police as the reason behind the animal trade.
"We demand a complete ban on illegal trafficking of cattle in Bhadrak. We want either the district collector or the Superintendent of Police (SP) to meet us and give us in writing that there will be no illegal trafficking of animals in the district from today," said Swadhin Sundar Das, an agitator.
Meanwhile, Charan Singh Mina, Bhadrak SP said "Everyone has been instructed not to allow illegal trafficking of cattle. Action will be taken against those found responsible."