Bihar: SI among four held in Munger cattle smuggling case

In a significant action against an alleged cattle smuggling network, Munger police have arrested four of their own personnel, including a Sub-Inspector, for allegedly colluding with smugglers and helping vehicles carrying cattle pass through the district.

The arrests were ordered by Munger Superintendent of Police Syed Imran Masood after an investigation allegedly uncovered links between the accused policemen and members of the suspected smuggling network.

The case came to light after the District Intelligence Unit (DIU) received information about a vehicle allegedly transporting cattle. Acting on the tip-off, a DIU team set up a checkpoint near Bindwara Morh on the Munger-Jamalpur main road and intercepted a truck.

During the search, police reportedly found around 35 to 36 buffaloes packed inside the vehicle in cramped and allegedly inhumane conditions. Three suspected smugglers travelling in the truck were detained.

During questioning, the suspects reportedly told investigators that the cattle were being transported towards Khagaria. Police subsequently examined their mobile phones and Call Detail Records (CDRs) as part of a wider probe ordered by the SP.

The technical investigation allegedly revealed repeated communication between the suspects and four police personnel. Investigators suspect that the policemen were sharing information about police checkpoints and the movement of security teams, thereby helping the cattle-laden vehicles pass through the district without being intercepted.

The four accused personnel were posted in different police units, including the Traffic Police Station and Mufassil Police Station. One of them holds the rank of Sub-Inspector.

After reviewing the findings of the investigation, SP Syed Imran Masood ordered the arrest of all four personnel. They were subsequently taken into custody and sent to judicial custody.

The arrests have raised serious concerns within the Munger police department and have also prompted questions about the alleged involvement of law-enforcement personnel in facilitating the smuggling operation.

Investigators are now trying to determine how long the alleged network had been active, whether more police personnel or other individuals were involved and the extent of the suspected illegal operations.

Police officials said the investigation has been widened and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found involved, irrespective of their rank or position.

The allegations against the arrested personnel will be subject to the outcome of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.