Varanasi: An accused involved in cattle smuggling and cow slaughter was arrested along with his aide following a police encounter in Azamgarh district late Saturday night.According to ASP (City) Madhuvan Kumar Singh, Jahanaganj police were on night patrol, when informers tipped them off about stray cattle being loaded into a pickup van near Gambhirwan (Baraila Taal) village. Acting on the information, police rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. When the accused attempted to escape, they allegedly opened fire on the police team. The police retaliated, during which one of the accused sustained a bullet injury to his leg. He was later nabbed along with his accomplice. The injured accused was identified as Mohim Ahmad, while his aide was identified as Sunil Kumar, both residents of Rani Ki Sarai area. Police recovered a country-made pistol, cartridges, a pickup van and one stray cattle from their possession. Ahmad was rushed to a hospital for treatment.The ASP said Ahmad has eight cases lodged against him on charges related to cow slaughter, cattle smuggling, robbery, theft and Arms Act. Ahmad confessed that he and his associates operated mainly during late-night hours, targeting stray cattle grazing in deserted areas or far from habitation. After slaughtering the animals, they sold beef at high prices and disposed of the remains in rivers, drains or by burying them to avoid detection. The accused also revealed their involvement in smuggling cattle to other states, particularly Bihar. Police said Ahmad had earlier been arrested and jailed multiple times in cases related to cow slaughter and cattle smuggling. tnn
