Activists of the Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) on Saturday evening stopped three trucks laden with animals at Hapur bypass and allegedly beat up two drivers.
Superintendent of police, Meerut, Maan Singh Chauhan said a case had been registered against the drivers under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960).
Eyewitnesses claimed that one of the three drivers managed to escape while the remaining two were beaten up by HYV activists. The police, however, denied the claims.
The SP said HVY activists had been asked not to take the law into their own hands and inform the police if any such case comes to their notice.
Station house officer, Partapur, Raghuraj Singh said at least 50 buffaloes were recovered from the trucks and were handed over to a farmer who would take care of the cattle until its owners seek release order from the court.
Denying reports that the drivers were thrashed by HYV activists, he said prima facie there was nothing illegal as the buffaloes were purchased from an animal market in Sardhana.
{{/usCountry}}Denying reports that the drivers were thrashed by HYV activists, he said prima facie there was nothing illegal as the buffaloes were purchased from an animal market in Sardhana.
{{/usCountry}}He said the police had no place to keep recovered animals.
Meanwhile, the transporters’ association has banned ferrying of animals in the wake of attacks on drivers by cow vigilantes.
Expressing concern over the incident, president of Meerut Transport Association Gaurav Sharma said they had imposed a ban on transportation of animals and those who were ferrying cattle were doing so at their own risk.