At least four alleged cattle smugglers transporting a dead buffalo were assaulted by a mob here in the early hours of Wednesday, the police said.
Villagers allegation
Villagers alleged that the men were caught in village Nagla Mandhata while they were transporting the buffalo’s carcass in a pick-up van.
They were, however, rescued by the police who intervened in time, Hasayan SHO Jitendra Kumar said.
‘Animal poisoned’
The owner of the buffalo alleged that the animal had been poisoned by the fourcattle smugglers.
Tough action
Superintendent of Police Sushil Ghule said tough action would be initiated if it was found that they were cattle smugglers.
The incident, which took place before dawn in Hathras district, about 200 km from Delhi, assumes significance as it came against the backdrop of a backlash over the death of a man attacked by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan.
Centre’s advisory
The Centre had put out an advisory on Tuesday asserting that States need to take measures against such incidents.