An encounter took place between the police and cattle smugglers; one criminal was injured in the exchange of fire.

Meerut: An encounter took place between the Sardhana police and a cattle-slaughtering gang in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. During the exchange of fire, one criminal was injured in the leg, while his two accomplices escaped under the cover of darkness. The incident occurred late Monday night near an orchard along the Daraula canal embankment when the criminals opened fire on the police team.
The police had received information that some people were planning to slaughter cattle near the Daraula canal embankment in the Kisthani police station area. Upon receiving the information, the police team patrolling the Sardhana area reached the spot and began a cordon and search operation. As soon as the area was surrounded, the accused opened fire on the police. In self-defense, the police also retaliated, in which one accused was injured by a bullet.
The injured accused has been identified as Nawabuddin, a resident of Ruasa village in the Daurala police station area. More than a dozen cases, including those related to cattle slaughter, illegal weapons, and animal cruelty, are registered against him. The police immediately sent him to the hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
After the encounter, the police recovered a .315 bore pistol, cartridges, and sharp-edged tools from the spot. The police said that the accused were preparing to slaughter cattle at the spot. The police have identified the two absconding accused and a combing operation is continuously underway in the forests and canal embankment areas to apprehend them. The police have also increased checking in the surrounding villages to prevent the accused from escaping.
Sardhana Circle Officer Ashutosh Kumar said, “We received information that some people were preparing to slaughter cattle along the Daraula canal embankment. When the police team surrounded the area, the accused opened fire with the intention of killing. In retaliation, one accused was injured and two escaped. The injured accused, Nawabuddin, has more than a dozen cases registered against him. He has been sent to the hospital for treatment. The forensic unit has been called in and other necessary actions are being taken.”
Following this encounter in the Sardhana area of ​​Meerut, the police have further intensified patrolling and surveillance. There is a strong possibility that the two absconding cow smugglers will be apprehended soon.