Tension prevailed at Madhupatna Square in the city after 13 cows were killed after a cattle-laden truck turned turtle in the wee hors of Saturday. The helper of the vehicle also died at the spot while the driver was shifted to hospital after he sustained critical injuries in the accident.
The mishap occurred when the truck ferrying at least 50 cows from Begunia in Khordha district overturned on the National Highway near Madhupatna at around 3 am.
later, senior officials of Commissionerate police including local ACP, IICs of the Madhupatna, Purighat and Sadar police station rushed to the spot before the situation could turn volatile.
“It is a highly unfortunate incident as several cows have been killed and others injured in the accident. Despite strict orders of Orissa High Court, cows are being illegally transported while no effort is being made to curb the menace,” said Go Suraksha State president Suresh Panda. later, CMC officials rushed to the spot and moved the injured cattle for treatment.