A fatal accident occurred late last night on Podadiha Street under the Kaptipada police station in Mayurbhanj district. A pickup van transporting cattle overturned and caught fire, burning one of the animals alive and sparking tension in the local area.
Cattle smugglers were transporting eight cattle through a lane in the Thakurmunda area. Near Podadiha Street, the vehicle veered off the road, overturned, and burst into flames.
Residents immediately rushed to the scene and rescued seven cattle from the burning vehicle. Despite their efforts, one animal was burnt alive. Firefighters arrived shortly after, extinguished the flames, and assisted with the injured cattle.
While the pickup truck was destroyed in the fire, the cattle smugglers quickly removed the damaged vehicle and buried the dead animal in a pit overnight. They left the injured cattle in a critical and bloody state.
The incident has led to outrage among locals, who are demanding stricter action against the cattle smugglers. The perceived inaction of the police has further fueled the discontent in the area.