SURKHET: Twenty-three cows have been found dead in the Katkuwa jungle of Birendranagar. The animals were being transported to Dailekh from Nepalgunj-based Kanji House (temporary shelter for the stray cattle).

A total of 291 cows were in the flock that was being transported to Dailekh.

District Traffic Police Chief, Inspector Udaya Singha Sijapati said the eight trucks loaded with cows had reportedly moved towards the jungle area to drop the animals.

It is learnt nine were pushed down from a cliff.  Over 150 cows have been found injured. The record of the Subbakuna Police Beat showed that the animals-laden containers entered the town at last midnight, said police inspector.

Locals have sought action against those responsible for the mass slaughtering of animals. Police have taken under control five trucks used to drop the animals from Babai.