Mangalore: Four BJP workers have been arrested in Dharmasthala for their alleged involvement in the brutal and illegal trafficking of cattle and calves. The incident took place on Wednesday night in Dharmasthala, located approximately 74 kilometers from Mangalore.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Prama Salyan, Pushparaj, Chenna Keshava, and Sandeep. The police have seized three vehicles, along with six cows and two male calves that were used for transportation.

According to sources, a team led by SI Anil Kumar from Dharmasthala police station conducted an inspection near Kanyadi Ram Mandir in Dharmasthala village on the night of June 12. They stopped and examined three vehicles, including two pick-up trucks, which were found to be illegally transporting cattle from Ujire to Dharmasthala. The occupants claimed that the animals were being transported for sale.

The approximate value of the seized cattle is Rs 65,000, while the estimated value of the vehicles is Rs 7 lakhs. The Dharmasthala police have registered a case and are currently conducting an investigation into the matter.