Mayurbhanj: A Gau Rakshak was seriously injured after allegedly being shot at by cattle smugglers in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district late on Tuesday night.

The incident took place on the Jugpura-Jamnanda road under Baisinga police limits. The injured has been identified as Ramesh Biswal, a resident of the area.

According to reports, a group of alleged cattle smugglers had stolen cows from different places and were transporting them in two vans. To avoid detection on the main road, they were reportedly moving through interior routes via Jugpura towards Jamnanda. Villagers noticed the suspicious movement and alerted a group of Gau Rakshaks.

A few youths from the village chased the vehicles. Near Kadalia Chhak, Biswal and his associates attempted to intercept the vans. At this point, the smugglers allegedly opened fire, shooting two rounds at them before fleeing towards Machhapada.

Dipu sustained serious injuries in the firing. He was rushed to Baisinga Hospital by his family members, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

On Wednesday morning, villagers spotted one of the cattle-laden vans burning in a forest near Machhapada and informed the police. Cops reached the spot and launched an investigation into the incident.