Nagpur: In a late-night operation, Hingna Police rescued 20 buffaloes being transported in an inhumane and unsafe manner on the Samruddhi Expressway near Vadgaon Gujar Road on Wednesday. The truck carrying the animals was intercepted around 11:00 pm, following a tip-off received from a local representative of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).

The accused has been identified as Abdul Kalam Abdul Subhan (45), a resident of Kolsatal, Kamptee. Police seized the truck (registration number MH 40/CD 5347) along with the animals, with the combined value of the livestock and vehicle estimated at approximately ₹10.4 lakh.

According to officials, the buffaloes—each valued around ₹12,000—were being transported in cramped, cruel conditions that posed serious health and safety risks. Acting on the tip received at around 10:35 pm, a police team led by Head Constable Arvind Naik rushed to the location and detained the vehicle.

The action was taken based on a formal complaint filed by Vishal Subhashrao Jadhav (37), a resident of Mangal Dham Society in Dattawadi and the local unit head of the VHP. A case has been registered at Hingna Police Station under Sections 11(1)(b) and 11(1)(d) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, bearing offence number 253/25.

The rescued buffaloes have since been shifted to a cattle shelter in Dorli village. Further investigation is underway under the supervision of PSI Diksha Tajne, guided by senior officials from the Hingna Police Department.