Udhampur, March 17, KNT: Police foiled a bovine smuggling attempt on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur district on Tuesday, rescuing 41 animals and registering a case under relevant laws, officials said.
The interception was made at Jakhani during a naka laid by a police team from Police Station Udhampur following specific inputs about illegal transportation of cattle.
The operation comes amid ongoing efforts by authorities to curb bovine smuggling along the highway, a key transit route linking Jammu with the Kashmir Valley.
Officials said a truck bearing registration number JK19A-9727, travelling from Jammu towards Srinagar, was signalled to stop during the naka checking.
However, the driver allegedly attempted to flee from the spot, prompting a chase by the police team.
The driver later abandoned the vehicle and escaped on foot, officials said.
During the search of the vehicle, police found 41 bovine animals being transported in violation of regulations.
Officials said the animals were tied with ropes and were being carried in a manner described as cruel.
While there is no blanket ban on cattle slaughter in the Union Territory after 2019, the illegal transport of bovine animals—especially in cruel or unauthorized conditions—invokes provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and criminal laws. Authorities also act against such cases to prevent violations of transport rules and to curb organized smuggling networks. Courts in Jammu and Kashmir have observed that bovine smuggling can have wider implications, including disturbance to public order and law and order situations, which is why strict enforcement and police action are routinely undertaken in such cases
Police said the animals were rescued from the vehicle and necessary legal action was initiated.
An FIR (No. 80/2026) has been registered at Police Station Udhampur under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Officials said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the driver and others involved in the smuggling attempt.
Further investigation into the case is in progress, they added.
Authorities have been conducting regular naka checking and surveillance along the highway to prevent illegal transportation of cattle and other contraband. [KNT]
