In the early hours of October 22, an intense pursuit unfolded in Dakshina Kannada district, culminating in Puttur Rural Police opening fire on a truck suspected of illegally transporting cattle. The driver, identified as Abdulla from Kasargod, Kerala, sustained a leg injury and was subsequently admitted to a government hospital in Mangaluru.
Authorities described Abdulla as a ‘habitual cow lifter’ and stated that the police were forced to use their weapons after he failed to stop his vehicle despite repeated warnings. The situation escalated when the driver allegedly attempted to ram his truck into the police jeep, endangering the lives of the officers.
Responding to specific intelligence, Puttur Rural Police initiated the interception. However, Abdulla and another occupant of the truck refused to comply, leading to a relentless 10-kilometer chase. After managing to overtake the truck, police tried to block its path, only for Abdulla to allegedly reverse and collide with the police vehicle.
During the confrontation, a Police Sub-Inspector fired two rounds at the truck and its driver, resulting in Abdulla’s injury. The other individual in the truck managed to flee the scene. It was revealed that Abdulla already had an existing case registered against him for illegal cow slaughter at the Bellare police station in Sullia taluk.
Following the incident, police successfully rescued all ten cattle, which have since been moved to a local shelter. The truck used in the illicit operation was seized, and a case has been officially registered against the accused.