Cattle die after tempo turns turtle trying to evade Dal activists' hot pursuit

Mangalore, April 7: About 18 cattle died after a 407 tempo toppled near Kottara Chowki on Saturday.

The incident took place earlier this morning when Bajrang Dal activists after receiving prior information about the vehicle transporting cattle illegally were following it. “We had prior information about the transportation and followed the vehicle. We informed the police too but by the time they could come, the accident had taken place” Sharan Pumpwell, President, DK Bajarang Dal unit told Coastaldigest.com.

One of the persons in the tempo has sustained injuries on his leg and has been admitted to Wenlock Hospital, Urwa police said. The others in the tempo fled and the police have begun their search.

The vehicle bearing the registration number KA 32 B 9909 was transporting 30 cows in all out of which 18 died due to the mishap.

Mr. Pumpwell told Coastaldigest.com that in spite of umpteenth appeals and requests, the police and district administration have failed to check illegal transportation and slaughter of cows in the region. “That is why we are tackling the issue ourselves. The issue of cow transportation and slaughter has caused communal violence in the region in the past too. If the authorities do not want such violence to repeat in the future, they must take steps to stop these illegal activities at the earliest”, Mr. Pumpwell said.

The police department on the other hand says that the city need not worry about worsening of law and order situation owing to the issue. “We are aware of the happenings and are prepared to tackle the situation. We will take care of the law and order situation” Mutthuraya, DCP (law and order) told Coastaldigest.com.

The incident has been condemned by DK Meat Traders' Association. Speaking to Coastaldigest.com Ali Hasan, President of the Association said that resorting to illegal means of transporting cattle is condemnable. “At the most one can transport 10-11 cattle. Mercilessly ill-treating cattle is not right. However, we also condemn the moral policing, no matter who does it. There is a system in place and a concerned department to voice grievances against. If people have problems, they should approach the concerned authorities and fight in a legal way”, Mr. Hasan said.

He also revealed that the state unit of the Association has been intimated about the happenings in the region and a meeting would be held in a couple of days' time on the issue.