In a late-night operation between January 24th and 25th, the Bhojpur and Civil Lines police in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, successfully arrested five individuals connected to illegal cow slaughter after two separate encounters. The accused, identified as Mursaleen, Mohammad Hasnain alias Builder, Yameen, Zeeshan, and Junaid, were reportedly running a cow slaughter racket while masquerading as daily wage laborers.

Mursaleen and Hasnain were captured in Bhojpur, where they attempted to evade the authorities during the operation. Meanwhile, the Civil Lines police managed to arrest the other three accused individuals. During these encounters, two suspects, Yameen and Zeeshan, sustained gunshot injuries. Following police protocols, both were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

This operation sheds light on the organized nature of the accused's activities. According to initial findings, the group operated under a carefully planned setup to avoid detection. The joint efforts of the Bhojpur and Civil Lines police played a crucial role in apprehending the suspects and dismantling their illegal enterprise.

FIR Registered Under Arms Act and Anti-Cow Slaughter Laws

The police have filed an FIR against the accused under multiple stringent sections of the law. These include Sections 109(1) BNS and 3/25/27 of the Arms Act, along with the provisions outlined in laws prohibiting cow slaughter. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the accused were involved in an organized criminal conspiracy. Their confessions indicated their active participation in a network dedicated to illegal cow slaughter and the subsequent supply of meat.

The detailed FIR highlights the gravity of their offenses, reflecting the authorities' firm stance against such unlawful and culturally sensitive activities. The revelations about their operations point to a deliberate effort to exploit legal loopholes while conducting criminal acts under the guise of legitimate labor.

This case demonstrates the determined actions of the Uttar Pradesh police to counter organized crime and protect laws safeguarding societal sentiments. The investigation is expected to uncover more information about the network these individuals were allegedly part of.

The Accused’s Confessions Reveal an Organised Racket

During an intense interrogation, the accused disclosed critical details about their operations, shedding light on a highly organised racket. According to their confession, they were involved in fulfilling specific orders for cow meat, which was often supplied for events such as weddings and private gatherings. These demands drove them to target stray cattle during the night. The accused would capture these animals and transport them to secluded jungle locations, where they carried out the slaughter under the cover of darkness. The meat was then loaded into vehicles and delivered to the designated locations. The most recent incident of cow slaughter by this group took place on January 19th.

Mursaleen and Hasnain provided further insight, revealing that a man named Azizur Rahman was a key player in this illegal operation. Azizur Rahman, a resident of Mohalla Jama Masjid in Bhojpur, played a pivotal role by coordinating the entire process. He managed the receipt of orders and directed where the meat was to be delivered. The accused admitted that their daytime work as wage laborers served as an effective cover, allowing them to continue their illegal activities without arousing suspicion.

Details of the Encounters and Arrests

The first encounter unfolded on the night of January 24th at around 10:30 PM in the Civil Lines area. Yameen, Zeeshan, and Junaid were intercepted by the police. When asked to surrender, the accused reportedly resisted and opened fire on the officers. One bullet struck a police officer, but he escaped unharmed thanks to the bulletproof jacket he was wearing. In response, the police retaliated, resulting in Yameen and Zeeshan sustaining bullet injuries in their legs. Despite the confrontation, Junaid was apprehended without injury.

The second encounter occurred near Chadda Bridge in the Bhojpur police station area following an alert received by the police via the PCR. In this instance, Mursaleen and Hasnain attempted to escape on a black Apache motorcycle. When cornered by the police, the accused fired at the officers in a desperate bid to evade capture. The police retaliated, managing to overpower them after both sustained leg injuries during the exchange. However, their accomplice, identified as Farman, fled into the nearby jungle and remains absconding as of now.

The detailed confessions and the confrontations during the arrests highlight the calculated nature of this illegal operation and the lengths to which the accused went to evade the authorities. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend Farman and uncover any additional members or links in this organised network.

Seizures and Recovered Items

The police operation resulted in the recovery of several incriminating items directly linked to the accused and their illegal activities. Among the seized items were two country-made pistols—a 315 bore and a 12 bore—along with live cartridges. Additionally, the police recovered blood-stained soil, which serves as evidence of their involvement in cow slaughter. A black Apache motorcycle, used by the accused in their attempts to flee the scene, was also confiscated during the operation. These items provide critical proof of the accused’s illegal activities and strengthen the case against them.

Other materials connected to the cow slaughter racket were seized as well, reinforcing the organized nature of the operation.

Ongoing Investigation and Search for Absconding Accused

In an official statement to the media, the police confirmed that a manhunt is currently underway to apprehend Farman, who escaped into the jungle during the second encounter. Authorities believe that Farman is an active participant in the racket, which is part of a larger, organized operation targeting stray cattle for slaughter and the subsequent supply of illegal meat.

The police are also actively tracking Azizur Rahman, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the illegal operation. Rahman is suspected of coordinating the supply chain, securing orders, and managing the logistics of the racket. His capture is expected to shed further light on the extent of the network and the individuals involved.

The arrested suspects have been presented before a court and are now in judicial custody. Meanwhile, investigative teams continue to gather evidence and interrogate the accused to uncover additional details about the racket’s operations.