Nagpur: In a major crackdown, Kalamna Police intercepted four vehicles illegally transporting 20 buffaloes without food or water in inhumane conditions for suspected slaughter here on Monday, April 7. 

Around 11:30 pm, Kalamna police personnel on patrol received a tip-off about suspicious vehicles near Pawangaon Gram Panchayat Road. Upon reaching the spot, they found four vehicles – two Tata Yodha trucks (MH 36 AA 2724 and MH 36 AA 3583) and two Bolero pickups (MH 40 BL 5009 and MH 49 AT 8905) – each carrying five buffaloes tied cruelly and without necessary care.

Upon inquiry, the vehicle drivers and cleaners were identified as Siddiqui Nawab Syed (29) and Sohit Ramdayal Tandekar (21), both from Ambagad, Bhandara district; Vikesh Bhojram Ghurve (42) and Badal Ramprasad Hadmache (22), also from the same area; Kunal Vinod Manawatkar (22) and Anand Laxman Chandpure (30), from Jam, Mohadi Tehsil, Bhandara.

None of the accused could produce legal documentation for the transport of the animals and gave evasive answers during questioning. It was confirmed that the buffaloes were being transported for slaughter.

Police seized all 20 buffaloes and the four vehicles, with a total estimated value of Rs 18.40 lakh.

Based on the complaint filed by Police Naik Narendra Baviskar, a case has been registered under Sections 11(1)(d) and 11(1)(g) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960; Sections 86, 177, 3/180, and 5/181 of the Motor Vehicles Act; and Section 119 of the Maharashtra Police Act. Further investigations are on.