Jammu, January 9:
In a major crackdown on illegal animal transportation, the Jhajjar Kotli Police foiled two separate bovine smuggling attempts during the intervening night of January 8 and 9. Under the ongoing Operation Kamdhenu, officials rescued eight bovine animals and seized two vehicles used in the crime.
The Midnight Operation
Acting on specific inputs regarding the movement of illegal livestock, a police team from Police Station Jhajjar Kotli set up checkpoints along the highway. During the operation, they intercepted two Mahindra load carriers that were found transporting cattle under cruel conditions without any legal permits.
The seized vehicles are: JK19A-3092 (Mahindra Load Carrier) and JK19A-5734 (Mahindra Load Carrier).
Suspects Apprehended
The drivers of both vehicles were arrested on the spot. They have been identified as residents of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district:
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Mohd Ashraf Bhat, son of Mohd Jamal Bhat (Resident of Magham, Kokernag).
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Javed Ahmed Kasana, son of Abdul Qayoom (Resident of Qazigund Bakerwal Chak, Dooru).
Legal Action and Penalties
The police have registered two separate cases to ensure a thorough investigation into the smuggling network.
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FIR Nos. 04/2026 and 05/2026 have been filed at PS Jhajjar Kotli.
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The accused have been booked under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act.
Jammu Rural Police stated that the crackdown under Operation Kamdhenu will continue with increased intensity to break the spine of smuggling syndicates operating between the Jammu division and the Kashmir Valley. Further investigations are underway to determine if these individuals are part of a larger organized ring.
