An incident of suspected animal cruelty has incited strong public condemnation in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, as a truck driver was filmed dragging a cow behind his vehicle along National Highway-49. The driver was promptly apprehended, and the heavy vehicle was impounded.
Witnesses reported that the cow’s hind legs were tethered with a rope to the back of the truck, leading to the animal being pulled along the road surface, resulting in severe injuries.
A widely circulated video of the event depicted the cow in critical condition, with one leg missing and significant mutilation from the road friction.
Initial police reports indicate a series of events preceding the act of cruelty. It was revealed that the cow had initially collided with the truck after straying onto the highway, resulting in its demise.
After the collision, local residents purportedly advised the driver to remove the carcass from the roadway. However, instead of using proper disposal methods, the driver opted to attach the animal to his truck and drag it away.
The community has voiced outrage at the lack of compassion exhibited in the incident, with many members demanding severe legal repercussions for the offender.
While the driver is currently detained for interrogation, authorities have initiated a formal inquiry to ascertain the full scope of the offenses committed.
Officials have assured the public that they are approaching the case with the utmost gravity and will ensure that justice is served in compliance with animal protection statutes.