Bhubaneswar: Dairy farmers transporting four cows and three calves in a vehicle were intercepted near Palasuni area here by self-proclaimed cow vigilantes, who allegedly assaulted them on the suspicion of cattle smuggling.
The incident reportedly led to the death of a calf and left one of the farmers with minor injuries.
According to reports, the farmers had purchased the cattle from Andhra Pradesh under the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana of the Odisha government and were transporting them.
Despite this, the vigilantes suspected them of being involved in illegal cattle trade and stopped their vehicle.
A confrontation ensued, during which the farmers were beaten up. One calf died on the spot due to the commotion.
Upon receiving information about the incident, Mancheswar police arrived at the scene and assessed the situation.
The affected farmers have filed a written complaint against the attackers, and the police have launched an investigation.
It is worth noting that a similar incident occurred in June this year in Ganjam district, where two Dalit men were half-tonsured, assaulted, forced to crawl on their knees, and made to eat grass and drink drain water after being accused of cattle smuggling.
PNN
