THATTA, May 20: A domesticated buffalo in an unusual scene of affection broke all barriers of cattle-pen and identified its master among many claimants by licking his face and hands.

Eight cattle thieves broke into the house of Saleh Mirabahar in Ranta village near Khirsar Forest few days ago and took away four buffaloes on gunpoint.

Meanwhile, Bannu and Sujawal police were jointly campaigning to recover a kidnapped trader. They raided the cattle-pen of Shanu Turk in the Bannu area and recovered some unlicensed arms, a pickup, a cow and nine stolen buffaloes. Police kept the recovery of stolen animals to themselves.

Somehow, people of Ranta village got wind of it on which Yaqoob Ranto, Yar Mohammed Ranto and Talib Ranto approached Bannu police, who instead tortured them ruthlessly.

Villagers led by Awami Tehrik leader Dada Qadir Ranto stormed the Bannu police station and PPP MNA Dr Wahid Bukhsh Soomro urged police by telephone to disclose recovery of animals. Police refused to disclose details rather escorted a buffalo lot to a cattle-pen in Bannu town.

In the twist of events, a buffalo recognised its master and defied the claims of police. The buffalo showed faithfulness by breaking barriers and securing protection of its master by licking his face and hand - love and affection which cannot be denied by the many witnesses present there.

The courage of an animal gave strength to villagers who met the DPO and urged him to ensure recovery of cattle and take action against the policemen for torturing the villagers.