The attackers pelted stones at a truck and blocked National Highway 15 on suspicion of cattle smuggling in Rajasthans Barmer district, police said today.

Four persons have been arrested and action against seven policemen including a police inspector has been taken for allegedly not taking the matter seriously and reaching the spot late last night, a senior police official said.

The officials of the Animal Husbandry Department of Tamil Nadu government had purchased 50 cows and calves from Jaisalmer and were transporting them in five trucks. 

They were also carrying  with them the NOC and all required papers and permission from authorities. 

“The accused tried to beat the officials.They also tried to set a truck on fire but police reached the spot and prevented them. The officials, drives and cleaners were rescued and taken to local police station. In the meanwhile, several people gathered there and blocked National Highway 15,” Gagandeep Singla, SP, Barmer  told PTI.

“The accused pelted stones at trucks and damaged one truck. The cows were rescued and taken to a local cow shelter for the time being,” he added.

A case against 50 people has been registered for voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from duty. A case of assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty under the National Highway Act has also been registered. 

The accused arrested are Chainaram, Kamlesh, Vikram and Jaswant, as reported by PTI. 

“The officials informed the police station immediately and sought help but the policemen reached late. On this dereliction, the SHO of Sadar Police Station and six other policemen were shunted to police lines today,” the SP said.

(Feature image source: ANI)