Srinagar, December 3: Tension ensued in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday after a group of Gau Rakshaks (cow vigilantes) intercepted a truck and set it ablaze alleging that cows and buffaloes were being illegally transported in the vehicle. The mob also attempted to block Jammu-Pathankot highway, prompting the police to use batons and fire teargas shells to disperse them.

According to reports, a group of people stopped the truck carrying eight cows and buffaloes in Pathwal village. Suspecting mob violence, the driver and the conductor abandoned the vehicle and fled. The mob then "rescued" the animals and set ablaze the vehicle. It was not immediately clear whether the animals were being transported legally or not. Bulandshahr on Edge After Mob Violence Over Illegal Cow Slaughter, Police Inspector Among Two Killed.

Following the incident, the protesters blocked Jammu-Pathankot highway near Dayalachak, demanding strict action against those involved in cow smuggling. The police fired teargas shells and used batons to disperse them. “The situation in the area is tense but under control,” an official told news agency PTI. An investigation was underway in connection with the incident. Massive Cow 'Knickers' Weighing 1400 Kgs Saved From Slaughterhouse in Australia Because of Its Size, View Pics and Video.

Meanwhile, police in nearby Samba district arrested two alleged bovine smugglers and rescued 16 animals which were being transported illegally, a police spokesman said. Amandeep Singh, a resident of Jammu, was arrested after police recovered 16 animals from his truck which was coming from Kathua side at Nonath on the highway, he said.

In another such incident, he said police rescued three bovines from a Jammu-bound vehicle at Gujjar Basti Tanda during checking. The driver, Abdul Majid, was arrested and a case was registered against him, the spokesman said. (With agency inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 03, 2018 07:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).