In a significant bust, Police intercepted an oil tanker used to smuggle 14 bovines at the truck terminal in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir, thwarting a deceptive ploy to transport the animals illegally from Punjab towards Srinagar.

The incident took place at the Lakhanpur truck terminal in the Kathua district and the video went viral on November 11.

Visuals showed an oil tanker suspected of smuggling animals, with authorities starting the process of extracting the animals hidden inside. A JCB machine was positioned beside the truck, carefully maneuvering to remove the side lid of the tanker. Officers stood nearby, overseeing the delicate operation. Dust rose from the area as the machine worked to pry open the tanker’s metal cover, making the scene tense yet organized, as everyone focused on rescuing the animals safely from their cramped hiding place.

According to reports acting on suspicion, a team from the Lakhanpur police station flagged down an oil tanker bearing registration number JK03E-5451, which was moving from Punjab towards Srinagar. The driver, upon noticing the police checkpoint, stopped the vehicle some distance away and managed to flee the scene.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered 14 bovines tightly packed within the tanker, leading to immediate rescue efforts. The animals were reportedly being transported in harsh conditions to avoid detection by law enforcement.

The police seized the vehicle and registered a case at the Lakhanpur station under Sections 223 of the Bovine Notification System and 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), with an investigation underway to track down the smugglers involved.

An official spokesperson emphasized that Kathua Police remains committed to combatting bovine smuggling, encouraging citizens with relevant information to come forward with the assurance of confidentiality.