Varanasi: Two brothers, allegedly involved in catching stray cattle and slaughtering them, were arrested after an exchange of fire with Gambhirpur police in Azamgarh district late on Sunday.CO (Lalganj) Astha Jaiswal said on Monday that Gambhirpur SHO Amit Kumar Tripathi and his team were checking vehicles to curb cattle smuggling and illegal slaughter, when informers alerted them that some residents of Sarsena Khalsa village had allegedly slaughtered a prohibited animal and were carrying the remains on a motorcycle after selling the meat. Police cordoned off the Kharati-Awak turn and tried to stop two men riding a motorcycle. The duo allegedly opened fire at the police team and attempted to flee. Police retaliated, injuring both men in the legs.The accused were identified as Jameel (42) and Salman (30). Police seized 10kg of beef, animal remains, an iron cleaver, a motorcycle, a country-made pistol and cartridges from them. They were later taken to hospital for treatment.Police said several cases against Salman under the Cow Slaughter Prevention Act and Gangsters Act were already registered at different police stations.During questioning, the accused confessed to catching stray cattle, slaughtering them at isolated locations and selling the meat. Further investigation is underway to trace their aides.
