GORAKHPUR, Dec. 28 -- Gorakhpur police on Saturday invoked the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act against eight members of a gang led by one Anoop Yadav, for repeated incidents of illegal cattle transportation, violent resistance during police checks, and attacks on law enforcement teams. Circle officer (Gorakhnath) Ravi Kumar Singh said the case was registered at Shahpur police station, and investigations revealed the gang's deep involvement in organised animal smuggling. "Six of the accused were currently lodged in jail, while two are absconding," Singh said. Gang leader Anoop, who hails from Gulariha area, faces as many as 36 criminal cases and continues to operate the smuggling network despite being injured twice during police encounters. "This gang was systematically involved in illegal transportation of cattle and often resorted to violent attacks on police teams while resisting action," the CO added. Other gang members have been identified as Sahab Ansari, Rozid Ansari, Suleman Gaddi, Satish Yadav, Shalu Yadav, Khurshid Ansari, and Parvez Alam. Of these, Khurshid Ansari and Parvez Alam are currently absconding, while the rest are in judicial custody. Officials confirmed that the district magistrate has approved the invocation of the Gangster Act. Police are now preparing to seize both movable and immovable assets of the accused to dismantle the gang's financial network. Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Kushinagar district, police arrested five cattle smugglers on Friday evening during routine checking and rescued 123 cattle being illegally transported. The action was part of an ongoing district-wide drive against cattle smuggling. Police said cases have been registered under relevant sections of the law, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest other members of the smuggling network. Authorities reiterated that strict action will continue against those involved in illegal cattle trade. Abdur Rahman...