A suspected cow smuggler was injured in a police shoot-out in Nuh on Saturday night during a targeted operation, officers said on Sunday.
The accused, a resident of Luhinga Kalan village under Punhana police station limits, allegedly opened fire at a police team. Police retaliated, injuring him in the leg before overpowering and arresting him. He was shifted to a nearby hospital and remains under police supervision, officecrs added.
Officials said the accused is a repeat offender with around 10 criminal cases, including those related to cow smuggling and slaughter.
“The accused opened fire on the police team, prompting retaliatory action. He was injured in the leg and has been taken into custody,” said Nuh police spokesperson Krishan Kumar.
Police said the encounter followed a tip-off about his presence near Palla village. A joint team from Punhana police station and the crime branch sealed the area and launched a search operation.
Officials said enforcement against cow smuggling has been intensified in the Punhana subdivision. “Strict action is being taken against those involved in such activities. There is zero tolerance for crime,” Kumar added.
An FIR has been registered at Punhana police station under the Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act, 2015. Further investigation is underway.