Two cattle smugglers killed in encounter with police in Haryana

On Saturday night police in the northern state of Haryana launched a raid on a suspected cattle‑smuggling convoy near the town of Nalhar. Officers reported an exchange of fire that left three men with bullet injuries. Two of the injured, identified as Sabir and Gabbar alias Hadiya, later died at Nalhar Medical College, while a third individual, Tahir, remains under treatment for his wounds. The police said the operation was part of a larger crackdown on organized livestock theft.

Cattle smuggling has become a persistent problem in Haryana, where farmers rely heavily on livestock for income and agricultural work. Criminal networks often move animals across state borders to evade taxes and animal‑welfare regulations, depriving legitimate owners of valuable assets. State authorities have increased patrols and intelligence‑gathering efforts in recent months, resulting in a series of arrests and seizures that aim to deter the trade and protect the interests of rural communities.

Following the encounter, senior officials visited the injured at Nalhar Medical College and confirmed that a forensic investigation is underway to piece together the sequence of events. The police have also announced a reward for information leading to the capture of any remaining members of the smuggling ring. Community leaders have welcomed the decisive action, noting that curbing illegal cattle movement is essential for preserving the livelihood of farmers and maintaining law and order in the region.