Sandhya Topno was posted as in-charge of Tupudana outpost in Ranchi
A woman sub-inspector was crushed to death in Jharkhand capital Ranchi when she tried to stop cattle smugglers during a vehicle check exercise last night.
Sandhya Topno was posted as in-charge of Tupudana outpost in Ranchi.
Police said they had information that a pick-up truck carrying cattle had started from Odisha and would be passing through Ranchi. The vehicle had managed to dodge patrol teams at two other places before they reached the Jharkhand capital.
As they approached, Ms Topno signalled the vehicle to stop. The pick-up truck instead ran over her and sped away. The other police personnel on duty went after the truck. The hot pursuit ended with an accident in which the truck overturned. Nisar Khan, who was on the wheels, was arrested. Another person in the vehicle managed to escape.
Ranchi's Senior Superintendent of Police Kaushal Kishore said, "10 animals have been recovered from the seized vehicle and further investigation into the case is on," he told NDTV.
Police are now questioning the arrested accused to find details of the person to which the animals were to be delivered.
Anand Khalkho from Ranchi police association said Ms Topno was a sincere and able officer. "We demand a speedy trial into and strict action against the culprits so that it sets an example," he said.
Ajit Topno, brother of Ms Topno, said the police officer was on patrol duty when she received information about the approaching suspicious vehicle. "The pick-up van saw police and ran over my sister. This is murder."
The incident came hours after a DSP-rank officer was crushed to death in Haryana's Nuh during a drive to stop illegal stone-mining.
Surendra Singh Bishnoi had received information that stones were being illegally mined near the Aravalli mountain range.
When he reached the spot and signalled a stone-laden vehicle to stop, it crushed him.
One of the accused was arrested after he was injured in an encounter with the police. The police team has seized the truck. A search operation has been launched to arrest the remaining accused.