A pickup truck overturning at the Samriddhi Highway entry point has led to a significant accident, resulting in the tragic death of four cows. The vehicle, traveling from Kamthi in Nagpur district, was engaged in illegal cow transportation via the expressway.
The incident occurred during the late hours of the night, raising concerns about a potential resurgence in cow smuggling on the Samriddhi Expressway. The driver, Juber Jan Mohammad Qureshi, and his companion Rizwan, alias Rizhu Raub Khan, both residents of Kamthi, were apprehended by the Hingna police under animal cruelty laws.
It’s suspected that the pickup truck was carrying 13 cows and had veered onto the wrong side of the road, causing the animals to fall off. Four cows died instantly, while others were allegedly killed. Assistant Police Inspector Dattatraya Wagh, Constable Arun Ingale, and Hingna Police Station staff responded to the accident.
The injured suspects, Kirko Khan and Jakhmi, received medical treatment, and a post-mortem examination was conducted on one of the deceased cows. The remaining nine cows were handed over to a Nagpur-based cow protection committee.
The suspected perpetrators face charges of illegally transporting cows for slaughter, resulting in their arrest and the registration of a case at the Hingna Police Station. This incident highlights the ongoing battle against cow smuggling and the need for stringent enforcement measures.