Patna: A horse has unexpectedly become a beast of burden for the Nautan police station in West Champaran district after it was caught ferrying around 50 litres of smuggled liquor on May 27. With the liquor smuggler still at large, the police now find themselves responsible for the daily care of the animal.The horse was seized during a raid by the Nautan police and was being used by a local smuggler, identified as Akash Yadav, to transport liquor in violation of Bihar’s prohibition laws. While efforts are on to nab Yadav, the immediate concern for the police is to ensure the well-being of the animal.According to Rajesh Kumar, SHO of Nautan police station, the horse is currently being housed on the station premises. “We are feeding it green grass, chickpeas, and jaggery at the police station’s expense. Until an appropriate caretaker is found, the responsibility of its care falls on us,” he said.The police station has appealed to senior officials to help locate an animal lover with the knowledge and ability to properly care for a horse. Once such a person is found, the horse will be handed over to them through an official process.“We’ll take an affidavit from the person assuming custody, ensuring they agree to provide proper care,” the SHO said, adding that the court will also be notified about the handover. The custodian will be required to produce the horse in court as and when needed during the case proceedings.After the trial concludes and a verdict is given, the state govt will auction the horse. The person who cared for the horse during the court process will be given the first opportunity to purchase it in the auction. If they are not interested, the sale will then be opened to others.