KATHUA: Kathua Police rescued 13 bovines and seized a truck allegedly being used for their transportation during a naka and checking operation in the Keerian Gandiyal area of Lakhanpur on Saturday.
A police team from Police Station Lakhanpur noticed a suspicious truck bearing registration number JK02CS-9586, reportedly travelling from Punjab towards Jammu and Kashmir, during checking at Keerian Gandiyal.
Police said the driver stopped the vehicle a few metres before the naka point after noticing the checking party and fled from the spot.
During a search of the truck, police found 13 bovines—10 cows and three oxen—being transported in cramped and allegedly inhumane conditions. The animals were rescued and the truck seized.
Following the recovery, FIR No. 134/2026 under Section 223 of the BNS and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was registered at Police Station Lakhanpur. Further investigation has been initiated to identify the driver and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the alleged bovine transportation.
Kathua Police said it would continue efforts to curb bovine smuggling and urged people to share information about such activities by contacting 112 or the police helpline 09858034100. Police assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.
