Truck transporting cattle illegally hits electric pole, over 20 animals dead

The incident was reported from Belur Taluk in Hassan district last night. It is said that the mini goods truck had stuffed over 50 cattle including calves and were illegally transporting them from Hassan to other states.

To avoid animals escaping from the vehicle and making sounds that may alert villagers and police, the miscreants had tied their legs and plastered their mouths. The truck took village interior routes to avoid check posts.

The driver lost control and rammed into the electric pole due to which over 20 animals died. Some of the injured calves and cows were shifted to nearby goshalas and are being treated and monitored.

A case has been registered and an investigation is on. The police are tracking the truck owner's details based on the registration number.

Meanwhile, Karnataka HC had taken a suo moto case in connection with monkeys' death. The police were also able to arrest 7 accused persons including Ramunaja Iyengar, who hired miscreants to clear monkeys from the village.

The state borders have intensified vigilance at check posts, and after the latest incident of cattle smuggling, all the trucks are being checked thoroughly. The cow vigilantes also are monitoring suspicious movement especially in the coastal region and districts bordering Kerala.

Last year amidst opposition from Congress, the ban on cattle slaughtering and its transportation bill was cleared in Karnataka council. JD(S) in exchange of power joined with BJP and ensured the bill clearance and now sent for Governor's approval.