Two bovine smugglers held in Jammu

Continuing its drive against bovine smuggling, police in Rajouri district of Jammu region on Monday arrested two bovine smugglers who were trying to smuggle five animals.

"Two smugglers were arrested today (Monday) who were trying to smuggle five bovine animals on foot through the Mughal Road into the Kashmir Valley," a senior police officer told IANS in Jammu.

The officer said police in Rajouri district have intensified drive against bovine smugglers.

"This year, so far, 159 cases have been registered against 224 people and 936 bovine animals have been rescued. Police have seized 95 vehicles used in bovine smuggling," the officer said.

It must be mentioned that smuggling of bovine animals is widely believed to be responsible for their slaughter.

Under the existing laws in Jammu and Kashmir, bovine slaughter including cows, buffaloes and calves is a cognizable offence punishable with imprisonment and fine.