Beef trafficking: Three arrested

Puttur: Three persons were arrested by Puttur town police and almost 700 kg of beef was seized from the accused after the cops chased and cornered the car the accused were using to traffic to smuggle the meat.

The arrested are identified as Kudroli Karbala road, Munir Manja resident Mustak (50), Kalladka Golta Majal resident Taufique (26) and Kalladka-Vitla road resident Mohammed Kabeer (40).

Based on the information that a white Mahindra Xylo travelling from Uppinangady towards Puttur was smuggling beef, Puttur town police inspector Timmapa Naika and staff laid in wait for the car at Kemmayi. When the car approached, the cops signaled it to stop but the accused allegedly drove past at high speed in direction towards Puttur city.

The cops immediately chased the accused and eventually cornered and stopped the car near D G Bhat compound along Parladka road. Inspection of the vehicle revealed the presence of beef. The beef was being smuggled to Mangaluru from Beluru and as they had information that police were conducting inspection at Bolluru in Uppinangady, the accused took the Nekkiladi road to Puttur and then proceed towards Mangaluru, revealed the accused.

Seized items

The police have seized items worth a total of Rs 6,35,000 including the around 700 kg of beef worth Rs 1.25 lakh, Xylo car worth Rs 5 lakh, 3 mobile phones from the accused, two plastic tarpaulins used to pack the meat.

A case under several allegations has been booked against the accused including theft of cattle, illegal slaughter of cattle, rash and negligent driving among others.