LAHORE:Police have arrested two sanitation workers involved in the mysterious killing and disappearance of pet animals in Township after a series of complaints from residents about livestock dying overnight under mysterious circumstances.
According to police, several reports had surfaced in recent weeks regarding goats and other pet animals falling ill and dying during the night, while some animals went missing.The incidents triggered fear and anger among local residents prompting police to launch an investigation.
Using CCTV footage from the area, police traced the activities of a group of sanitation workers. Investigators revealed that one of the suspects, identified as Shahid, a garbage collector by profession, used to mix fireworks material into animals’ fodder during the night. The hazardous substance caused severe internal injuries, leading to the animals’ deaths.
Police said locals caught Shahid red-handed during one such incident and subjected him to a beating before handing him over to police. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to committing the acts along with an accomplice, Rashid. Further investigation revealed that the suspects would later sell the meat of the dead animals to various shops in the city.
Acting on the disclosure, police conducted a follow-up operation and arrested both Shahid and Rashid. Eight cases have been registered against the suspects at Green Town police station on complaints filed by affected citizens. Police said the investigation was ongoing to determine the full scale of the operation and identify any buyers involved. On the suspects’ revelations, police have also informed the Punjab Food Authority and requested action against hotels and shops found purchasing meat from the accused.
