Kolkata, 24 October (H.S.): The Ghoshpukur outpost police, under the Phansidewa police station, successfully thwarted a cattle smuggling operation early Saturday morning, rescuing 11 bovines that were being illegally transported under the guise of a snack shipment. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime.

The arrested accused have been identified as Mehdi Alam and Habibur Rahman, both residents of Barpeta in Assam.

According to police sources, a Bolero vehicle arriving from the Bihar side was intercepted for a search during the early hours of Saturday. Outwardly, the vehicle appeared to be loaded with packets of chips. However, upon a thorough inspection, authorities discovered 11 cattle tightly concealed inside the vehicle.

The two occupants were immediately taken into custody after they failed to produce any valid documentation or permits for the transportation of the livestock.

Following the rescue, all 11 cattle were safely relocated to a designated animal shelter. The Ghoshpukur outpost police have initiated a comprehensive investigation to trace the origins of the smuggling racket and identify other individuals involved in the illegal cross-border trade network.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh