Remuna: A group of RSS members stopped two container trucks engaged in illegal cattle trading and rescued more than 200 cattle Saturday. The incident took place at Shergarh toll gate under Khantapada police limits in Balasore district.
According to a source, the activists were tipped off about seven cattle-carrying container trucks moving from Khurda towards Shergarh at about 1:00am Saturday. They intercepted the vehicles at the toll booth and detained two trucks while the remaining ones managed to speed away.
On being informed, local police reached the spot, rescued the cattle and arrested eight men including the drivers in connection with the incident. Two containers and a Bolero that has six occupants were also seized. The Bolero was allegedly escorting the seven trucks.
According to a source, while the cattle from one of the containers were taken to a nearby cowshed, the ones in the other were released at a nearby field.
Registering a case (Case No-312/19), police have launched an investigation.
Later, locals staged a demonstration on the spot demanding stringent action against the cow traffickers. Illegal cattle transportation on the stretch has been on a rise owing to laxity on part of the administration, they alleged. The situation cooled after local police assured the agitators of prompt action in this context.