Lucknow — An early morning encounter took place near the Beli Underpass on Jail Road in Gosainganj between the police and alleged cow smugglers. During the exchange of fire, one of the accused — identified as Shoaib alias Gainda, a resident of Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar — sustained a bullet injury in the leg. He collapsed on the spot and was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to police officials, Shoaib’s two accomplices managed to escape by taking advantage of the situation. Illegal firearms were recovered from the spot.
The police said that Shoaib is a hardened criminal, with at least eight cases registered against him in different districts, including charges of cow slaughter, murder, and under the Gangster Act.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) stated that on May 5, police had intercepted a truck carrying 20 bovines on the Purvanchal Expressway in the Gosainganj area. The smugglers had fled the scene in a Swift Dzire car after the truck broke down.
Based on a tip-off received early Saturday morning, police were alerted about the presence of suspicious individuals near the Beli Underpass on Jail Road. When the Gosainganj police team reached the location, the suspects opened fire. In retaliation, police fired back, injuring Shoaib.
Efforts are currently underway to trace the absconding smugglers, with raids being conducted at their suspected hideouts.
The police have assured that strict action will be taken against those involved in illegal cow trafficking and that the operation to curb such activities in the region will continue.
