Cuttack, Oct 7: An Athagarh Additional District and Sessions Court has sentenced six accused to life imprisonment in a cattle smuggling case. The court also imposed a fine of ₹1.5 lakh on each convict.

The court further ordered that in case of non-payment of the fine, each of the convicts will have to undergo an additional two years of imprisonment.

The case dates back to May 23, when Athagarh police intercepted a vehicle allegedly carrying cattle near Birakishorepur Chhak. Acting on the information, police conducted a raid, seized the cattle-laden vehicle and arrested six persons in connection with the case.

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Following the trial, the Athagarh Additional District and Sessions Judge convicted all six accused based on the evidence and testimonies presented before the court.

The convicts are reportedly residents of the Choudwar area of Cuttack district.

The accused were found guilty under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 303(2), 109, 111(2), 111(3), Section 3 and Section 5, along with Section 11 of the relevant cow protection law.

After examining the evidence and witness statements produced during the trial, the court pronounced the sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of ₹1.5 lakh each. In default of payment, the convicts will serve an additional two-year jail term.