Soro: As many as 12 cattle were rescued from a pickup van allegedly being used for cattle transportation near Sarasankha Chhak on the Soro-Kupari road in Odisha’s Baleshwar district late Monday night.

According to sources, some cow vigilantes had been keeping watch near Nadigaon Chhak after receiving information about the alleged cattle transportation. When they attempted to intercept a pickup van travelling from Kupari towards Soro, the driver allegedly sped away.

The vehicle subsequently rammed into a roadside shop before crashing into a tree. Taking advantage of the commotion, the driver and the helper fled the spot.

The cow vigilantes rescued 12 cattle from the vehicle and informed the police.

On receiving information, Soro police reached the spot, seized the pickup van and shifted the rescued cattle to a cowshed in Soro.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the cattle and identify those involved.