Barabanki: In a dramatic operation, Barabanki police arrested a group of criminals involved in cow smuggling who operated under the guise of sadhus. The gang members, identified as Sarwar, Gufran, Umar, Ankul Gupta, Irfan, Navijan, and Aziz, wore saffron scarves, sported sandalwood marks on their foreheads, and carried tridents to avoid suspicion.
Encounter and Arrest
On the night of December 8, the police received a tip-off about suspicious activity near the forested area of Gauriyaghat Road in Kamarpur village, Satrikh police station jurisdiction. Acting swiftly, a joint team of SWAT and local police raided the area.
Upon reaching the spot, officers found two bovines tied to a tree, a pickup truck covered with tarpaulin, and other vehicles containing tools like iron axes, knives, blades, and ropes for restraining animals. As the police approached, the smugglers hiding in the forest opened fire, prompting a retaliatory action by the police.
Within moments, the police apprehended the culprits, including Mohd. Umar alias Gulzari, Ankul, Irfan, Navijan, and Mohd. Aziz. Two smugglers sustained injuries during the encounter and were taken into custody.
Modus Operandi
During interrogation, the smugglers revealed their strategy of disguising themselves as sadhus to evade detection. Wearing saffron attire and carrying religious symbols like tridents, they moved freely without raising suspicion.
ASP Akhilesh Narayan Singh said, “The gang’s method of operation was unprecedented. Umar, one of the accused, led this deception, utilizing religious symbols to create a façade of piety while engaging in illegal activities. The gang had connections in Lucknow, Barabanki, and Sitapur.”
Seizures and Legal Action
The police recovered the following from the gang:
- Two bovines tied at the scene
- A pickup truck and a motorcycle
- Iron axes, knives, blades, and ropes used for smuggling
The arrested individuals have been charged under various sections of the law, and further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of their operations.
Police Resolve and Community Response
The operation underscores the determination of the Barabanki police to combat cow smuggling and other illegal activities in the district. “Strict action will be taken against those involved in such crimes,” added ASP Singh.
This daring bust has drawn appreciation from the community, with many lauding the police for their vigilance and quick response to dismantle the gang.
