Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 28 June 2023
A complaint of theft involving two cows led to a major breakthrough in a cow smuggling operation, as North & Middle Andaman District Police successfully cracked down on the illicit activities. The incident occurred on June 26, 2023, when a complaint was registered at PS Rangat regarding the theft of two cows.
Upon receiving the complaint, a special team consisting of SI Pankaj Kumar Pandey, SHO PS Rangat, SI Silpi Singha, SI Deva Raju, HC Rakesh Kumar, PCs Nisith Das, Sonu Yadav, Santosh Kumar Tiwari, and Ct. Subol Bepari, swung into action. They conducted an extensive search throughout the Rangat area.
Through a tip and the tireless efforts of the team, a breakthrough was achieved near Goal Pahar, Rangat. A total of 11 cattle, including 8 cows, 2 bulls, and 1 calf, were found in an unhygienic condition without proper food and shelter. The discovery came as a result of the team’s diligent search.
The authorities caught a person named Babu Ram Jaidar, aged 57, who was caught red-handed while handling one of the stolen cows. The complainant was able to identify his stolen cows, and the accused, Babu Ram Jaidar, admitted his guilt. Further investigation revealed that the accused had been collecting unattended cattle from the Rangat area with the intention of smuggling them to Port Blair via water or road routes, as per demand.
In response to this incident, a case was registered under Crime No. 47/23 dated June 26, 2023, under Section 379 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 34(2) of the Police Act, 1861, and Section 11(1)(d)(f)(h)(k) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Additionally, all the cattle were seized from the spot and underwent a medical examination.
Authorities discovered that if these cattle had not been detected, the accused could have transported them to Port Blair within one or two days. It was revealed that some potential buyers were in regular contact with Babu Ram Jaidar.
This successful crackdown on theft and cow smuggling serves as a strong deterrent to such illicit activities. The North & Middle Andaman District Police are determined to prevent cruelty towards animals and will not tolerate any form of mistreatment. They express their gratitude to community members who provided crucial information, emphasizing that public cooperation is vital in combating organized criminal activities and maintaining peace and harmony in society.
The North & Middle Andaman District Police remain committed to taking stringent legal action against individuals involved in such activities. They are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the community and will continue their relentless efforts to combat all forms of criminal activities.
The general public is urged to share any credible information related to crimes or illegal activities with their nearest Police Station or contact numbers 100, 112, and 03192-273344. Informants’ identities will be kept confidential, and they may also be rewarded for their cooperation.