Jiyanpur police in Azamgarh district arrested Puranmal Yadav, a pickup van owner, and Tej Pratap Shahi alias Pappu, caretaker of Parankunda Goshala, in connection with a cattle theft attempt foiled on Jan 4.
According to ASP (Rural) Chirag Jain, the accused had planned to steal cattle from the Goshala and smuggle them to Bihar via Mau district. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted the suspects near Bharauli turn, recovering four cattle and the pickup van used in the operation.
During interrogation, Tej Pratap Shahi confessed to working with cattle-smuggling gangs, facilitating thefts from the Goshala for monetary gain. Puranmal Yadav was identified as the van owner used to transport the stolen livestock.
Police said the suspects abandoned the vehicle in darkness after locals and police foiled the theft. Investigation is ongoing to identify other members of the smuggling gang.
