Bhubaneswar, May 20: Mancheswar police arrested two persons for allegedly carrying beef in a mini truck at Rasulgarh square here Saturday.
Sources said a mini truck (OD 05Q 4861) allegedly carrying beef was intercepted by some locals after it reportedly caused a series of accidents on National Highway 16.
“I got a narrow escape after the truck hit my vehicle near Palasuni and later it was detained by locals near Rasulgarh,” said Bijay Ketan, an eyewitness.
After stopping the truck near Rasulgarh, the locals found that it was loaded with beef. Suspecting it to be beef, locals informed police about the incident.
A large number of people had also gathered near Rasulgarh square after the news about the truck carrying beef spread. Police have arrested two persons including the driver. The accused are identified as Naso Shah (20) and Kallin Shah (22) of Niali district Cuttack.
Police officials said both accused have confessed that they were carrying cow meat. They were transporting it to Andhra Pradesh from Niali.
“The meat samples have been sent to the laboratory for examination and further investigation is on,” said Mancheswar police station inspector in-charge KP Mishra.
Notably, under the Orissa Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960, killing of cow is prohibited. Carrying beef is considered as a cognizable offence and entails imprisonment up to maximum of two years or fine up to Rs 1,000 or both. However, slaughter of bulls or bullocks is allowed on production of fit-for-slaughter certificate, if the bovine is over 14 years of age or has become permanently unfit for breeding or draught. (PNN)
