In a daring operation near Hejamady tollgate, Gangolli police successfully foiled an alleged cattle theft and illegal slaughter attempt that turned violent. Acting on a tip-off, officers intercepted a brown SUV transporting five to six cattle. The suspects allegedly tried to run over police personnel, injuring two officers and damaging public property, before abandoning the vehicle and livestock in Ullal. One suspect was arrested on the spot, while three others managed to flee.
Sub-Inspector Basavaraj Kanashetti of Gangolli police station, tasked with cattle trafficking duties, led the operation along with PSI Pavan Nayak and their teams. On the night of August 4, they received credible information that the suspects, traveling in a brown SUV, were moving from Padubidri toward Mangaluru after allegedly stealing cattle near Hejamady.
Stationing a police vehicle near Hejamady tollgate, officers spotted the SUV around 5:20 am on August 5, behind a KSRTC bus. Inside were four individuals, including the driver, with five to six cattle tied inside. During inspection, one suspect reportedly urged the driver not to spare the police. The SUV then accelerated toward officers, injuring PSI Kanashetti’s hand. The driver reversed due to traffic, striking Constable Sandeep and a toll patrol vehicle, which also collided with PSI Nayak’s car.
The driver, later identified as Mohammad Sharoz from Suratkal, was apprehended. Another suspect took control, rammed a car in the toll queue, and escaped. The fleeing suspects were identified as Safwan and Azeem from Kaup, and Raziq from Bajpe.
The accused are suspected of stealing cattle for illegal slaughter and meat sales. A case has been registered at Padubidri police station under multiple laws, including the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, IMV Act, and KPDL Act. The abandoned vehicle and cattle were recovered in Ullal, with the animals sent to Bajagoli Goshala for care.
