Cattle smuggling foiled in Puttur: Accused shot in leg during police chase

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, Oct 22, 2025: In a dramatic early morning incident near Bellichadavu in Ishwaramangala, located along the Karnataka–Kerala border, police opened fire on a man suspected of smuggling cattle, injuring him in the leg after he allegedly tried to flee and rammed a police jeep.

The injured suspect has been identified as 40-year-old Abdullah, a resident of Kasaragod, Kerala. According to reports, he was transporting ten cattle in an Eicher truck from Karnataka to Kerala along with an accomplice. When Puttur Rural Police attempted to stop the vehicle, Abdullah allegedly ignored their signal, triggering a chase that lasted nearly 10 kilometers.

During the chase, Abdullah reportedly rammed the truck into the police jeep in an effort to escape. In response, a police sub-inspector fired two rounds — one struck the vehicle, and the other hit Abdullah in the leg. The second suspect managed to flee the scene.

Abdullah was immediately taken to Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru for treatment. Preliminary investigation revealed that he had a previous case filed against him under the Cow Slaughter Act (Case No. 33/2025) at Bellare Police Station.

Police sources said Abdullah had previously been involved in cattle smuggling and had recently resumed the illegal activity. A fresh case has been registered at the Puttur Rural Police Station, and efforts are underway to locate the absconding accomplice.