Cattle smuggling bid foiled, Kerala man shot at while trying to escape Karnataka Police

The incident occurred near Puttur, near Bellichadavu in Ishwaramangala on the Karnataka-Kerala border. When the Puttur Rural police signalled the duo to stop, Abdullah allegedly ignored the order, triggering a 10-km chase.

According to the police, Abdullah deliberately rammed the Eicher vehicle into the police jeep. In response, a police sub-inspector (PSI) fired two rounds in the air. Abdullah allegedly attacked the policeman with a knife, which prompted him to fire at his leg, the police said, adding that his accomplice managed to flee.

Abdullah was taken to Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru for treatment. According to the police, investigations revealed he was booked in a case registered under the Cow Slaughter Act at Bellare police station and had recently resumed illegal cattle smuggling activities.

Arun K, Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada, said that the local police had received information about the illegal cattle smuggling. “While chasing the Eicher vehicle, it touched the police jeep. Then, the accused tried to escape. The local police opened fire in the air, and when the PSI was attacked with a knife, he opened fire on his leg,” he said.

The police said that 12 cattle, including nine buffalo, two cows and one sheep, were seized. A case under attempt to murder charges and under sections of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, has been lodged.

Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who visited the spot, said that the Karnataka government was against cow slaughter. “This is an example. If someone indulges in such activity (cattle smuggling), the police will not sit silent. Today, the police have opened fire at the leg, but tomorrow, it may be fired somewhere else,” he added.

Rai’s remarks came amid reports of several right-wing members, including Arun Kumar Puthila, being present when the vehicle was seized. Right-wing organisations also claimed credit for the operation on social media.

Without taking names, Rai said that there was no need for any organisation to be involved in such incidents. He also emphasised that the matter involved an individual engaged in illegal activities, and that no community should be held responsible for it.

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