Police in Rajasthan have lodged a cross-FIR against some individuals from Pahari Village in Alwar district who had confronted alleged cow smugglers, reports The Hindu. The villagers had been shot at by the latter group who were trying to flee.

The incident occurred when the villagers spotted Salim, Jakam and Sahoon approaching fields on the periphery of their village with a herd that included more than a dozen cows. The villagers, including one Ramjeet, suspected them to be cattle smugglers and decided to accost them.

Ramjeet and his associates gave chase using a motorcycle when the the group with the herd started to flee; Salim then took out a country-made pistol and shot at Rameet, injuring him. Even as Jakam and Sahoon managed to escape, Salim was captured by the villagers and allegedly thrashed by them.

A case has been registered against Salim and his accomplices under the IPC, the Rajasthan Bovine Animal Act and the Arms Act.

The cross-FIR against the villagers is based on IPC provisions of causing hurt, wrongful confinement and unlawful assembly.