Sullia : The Forest Department’s night patrolling squad fired in the air as alleged cattle thieves escaped after attempting to assault them in Aletty village near Sullia early on Sunday.

According to Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mangaluru, V. Karikalan, the Sullia range Kalabhairava squad was tipped off about illegal movement of timber on Sullia-Panathur Road that leads to Kanhangad in Kerala. Three members of the patrolling squad were checking vehicles at the check-post.

Around 3.30 a.m., the squad stopped a four-wheeler that was carrying three cows. When the squad members demanded documents, vehicle occupants came out and attempted to assault the personnel. As one of the squad members fired in air, the accused ran away abandoning the vehicle.

Mr. Karikalan said a police complaint has been filed. The police have registered a case under Section 379 (theft) and 353 (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty) of the Indian Penal Code.

Additional Superintendent of Police V.J. Sajeeth said there were reports that an accused was admitted to Kannur Periyar Hospital. A team of Sullia police was verifying it. Search is on for the other accused, he said.