Tension gripped Malkangiri district after locals intercepted a truck allegedly transporting cattle near Alasiguda village under Kalimela block early Sunday morning.
Around 2 a.m., members of the Sanatani group and Bajrang Dal stopped a vehicle reportedly carrying 15 cows from the Pulimetla area toward Hyderabad. The youths claimed the animals were being smuggled for slaughter and alerted the Kalimela police.
A police team led by SI Bijay Kumar Majhi, ASI Ramakant Sahu, Irma Rawa, and Havildar Deba Madkami reached the spot and seized the cattle. Officers began verification and launched an investigation into the suspected trafficking route.
Sources said the cows were rescued safely and kept under police supervision. Officials are examining whether the transporters possessed valid permits and whether the animals were being moved for illegal trade.
