Kushinagar, 02

Nov (HS): According to reports, a cow smuggler carrying a Rs 25,000 bounty was

hurt during an encounter with police on Sunday. He was found with an illegal

handgun and a motorcycle. Circle Officer Kundan Singh said police received

information late Saturday night regarding livestock smuggler Rakesh Kushwaha's

movements in the Ahirauli Bazar area. Based on the tip, authorities put up a

checkpoint near the Ahirauli-Bodarwar bridge. Kushwaha was told to stop while

being checked, but he opened fire on the police team in an attempt to

flee. The police replied by hurting him

in the leg. Police found a country-made pistol with a.315 bore, one live

cartridge, one empty cartridge, Rs 900 in cash, and a motorcycle without a

number plate at the scene.

The injured

accused was brought to the hospital while being held in police custody. Kushwaha

was wanted in connection with a case under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow

Slaughter Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, he added.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi