Nagpur: In a major crackdown against illegal cattle slaughter activities, Old Kamptee Police rescued 86 bovine animals that were allegedly being kept in inhumane conditions for slaughter in the Kamptee area.

According to police, the operation was carried out by the Old Kamptee Police between 8.30 pm on May 26 and 2 am on May 27 after receiving specific intelligence inputs during night patrolling.

Police conducted simultaneous raids at three locations in Qureshi Mohalla near the vegetable market in Kamthi. The locations included an open space beside the residence of Makbul Pehelwan behind Chaudhary Masjid, a vacant house compound behind the residence of one Fammo Sheikh, and a closed tin-sheet warehouse near Raja Maidan opposite Patel Clinic.

During the raid, police found a total of 86 small and large bovine animals allegedly confined in an extremely cruel and overcrowded manner without food or water. Preliminary investigation revealed that unidentified persons had illegally tied the animals for slaughter purposes.

Police seized the rescued cattle valued at approximately Rs 8.60 lakh from the spot. The animals were later shifted to Goseva Samiti Gaushala at Lubini Nagar in Kamthi for care and protection.

Based on a complaint filed by PSI Meena Jhade, the Old Kamptee Police registered a case against the owners of the premises and other unidentified accused under relevant sections of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976, amended in 1995, along with provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest the accused persons involved in the illegal activity. The operation was conducted under the guidance of DCP Dr. Sandeep Pakhale, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ankush Khedkar, and Senior Police Inspector Mahesh Andhale.