India, May 14 -- A shoot-out broke out between a police team and suspected cattle smugglers early Tuesday on Panchgaon Hill in Nuh, when the police tried to avert cow slaughter. Three of six suspected smugglers suffered gunshot wounds to their legs and were apprehended, while a policeman sustained a stab wound near his right eye, officers aware of the matter said.

Police said the incident took place around 2.30am and three of the smugglers fled in the cover of darkness, but have been identified. However, one of three cows that were tied up was slaughtered, they said.

"When asked to surrender, one of the suspects opened fire on police and another one slaughtered the cow. Two cattle were rescued as three of the suspects retreated. The sus...