Keonjhar: A suspected cattle smuggler was grievously injured in an encounter with police at a village in Harichandanpur area of Odisha’s Keonjhar district.
As per preliminary information, the incident took place at Kulabhakuni village under the jurisdiction of Harichandanpur police station of the district in the wee hours of Sunday.
Sources said police stopped five cattle-laden trucks on a forest road in Kulabhakuni village following which the alleged smugglers opemed fire. In the exchange of fire that ensued between the cattle mafia and police, a smuggler sustained injuries.
The smuggler, identified as Arif Khan, has been admitted to Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).
Police have seized three pick-up vans loaded with cattle, while two vehicles are reported to have fled the scene. Other cattle smugglers are believed to have escaped before police could apprehend them.
The seized vehicles were allegedly proceeding towards West Bengal. Further investigation is in progress.
