With restrictions on the import of meats, and the demand in the market surpassing the supply, some people are trying to earn some fast cash by raiding cattle. Thimphu police have arrested six men in connection with cattle raiding in recent months. And one more suspect has been recently arrested and is under investigation.
On 3rd March, a person who stole two pregnant cows from a cowshed in Olakha, Thimphu was arrested and the cows have been rescued from Tsirang. And on 22nd March police arrested five more men for rustling six cattle from Khasadrapchu. Those cattle could not be rescued as it was then sold to India via Sarpang.
Currently, five suspects, who were able to produce bail guarantors, are out on bail and the case has been forwarded to the court.
In the recent case on 1st May, a man was apprehended for taking an ox from Simtokha. During interrogation, the man also confessed to rustling 6 cattle on 30th March. All the 6 cattle were then rescued from Tsirang and are currently kept in Thromde’s livestock pound in Thimphu. The same man had also sold a bull to a slaughterhouse in Tsirang a few weeks back which could not be rescued.
Police officials said the limited supply of meat in the market could be the possible reason for people to engage in these cattle raiding. They fear, the cases can increase in the future if not taken actions now.
Kinley Dem
