Two unidentified men were on their way to Kashmir along with 25 bovine animals on foot when a police team intercepted them at Chenani on Jammu-Srinagar national highway last night, a police spokesperson said.
Taking advantage of the darkness, the two smugglers managed to escape from the spot leaving behind the bovine animals, they said.
"Police has succeeded in rescuing 25 bovines while manhunt has been launched to nab the smugglers," the spokesperson said.
A case has been registered and investigation is underway, the spokesperson added.