Odisha is witnessing a surge in incidents of cow and beef smuggling, with reports pouring in from various parts of the state. In the past 72 hours alone, cases of Cow and beef smuggling have been reported from four districts—Cuttack, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, and Subarnapur. The failure to curb Cow smuggling has triggered widespread public resentment. In Cuttack, locals even protested against the administration and police, accusing them of failing to prevent such activities, and staged a road blockade.
Subarnapur District: 80 Cow Rescued from 16-Wheeler Trucks
On Wednesday morning, Subarnapur police intercepted two 16-wheeler trucks near Binika Mahanadi Bridge carrying 80 Cow being illegally transported to West Bengal. Acting on a tip-off, Binika police chased the trucks and stopped them near the Ulunda police station in Sindol area.
While one driver managed to escape, the other was arrested. The rescued Cow were sent to the “Kamdhenu Gau Seva Ashram” in Gajabandh via Binika police station. Binika police ASI Anil Behera confirmed the incident. The police are now searching for the absconding accused, and investigations are underway.
Cuttack District: Beef-Laden Container Seized Amid Protests
In Cuttack’s Jagatpur police station area, a 10-wheeler container truck loaded with beef was seized early Wednesday near the Khaira Bridge. Local organizations like Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Vishwa Gomata Suraksha Vahini intercepted the vehicle and informed the police.
However, the driver and smugglers fled the scene before the police arrived. The container was found carrying 20 tons of beef, which was later destroyed near the Mahanadi River.
Protests erupted outside the police station, with demonstrators demanding strict action against the smugglers. They also staged a road blockade, disrupting traffic. The situation was brought under control after Cuttack Zone-1 ACP Arun Kumar Swain assured the protesters of stern action against the accused. A case has been registered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the culprits. The incident has raised questions about police vigilance as the container managed to pass near the police station undetected. Intellectuals and locals have expressed strong reactions to this lapse.
Keonjhar District: 6 Vehicles Seized, 40 Cow Rescued
In a major crackdown on illegal Cow smuggling, Keonjhar police seized six vehicles and rescued 40 Cow in the Telkoi area. One Cow was found dead, while the smugglers and drivers managed to escape.
The raid, led by Telkoi police station in-charge Sushant Kumar Parida, was conducted near Chamunda village on Wednesday morning after receiving information about Cow being transported in eight pickup vans. Police managed to seize six vans, while two fled the scene.
A case has been registered under Section 316/24, and investigations are underway. Locals have repeatedly complained about rampant illegal Cow smuggling on National Highway 49 and market areas under Telkoi police station. They have demanded stricter measures to curb such activities.
Bhadrak District: 9 Cow Rescued from Car, Two Arrested
In Bhadrak, police intercepted a car transporting nine Cow on Thursday. Two smugglers were arrested during the operation.
Acting on a tip-off, Saharanchal police station, led by station in-charge Ajay Sudarshan Bag, increased vigilance in the Kaupur area. The car was stopped near Masani, where nine Cow were found inside.
The incident follows a similar case last week when police seized Cow being smuggled in another vehicle. Local police are stepping up measures to curb illegal Cow smuggling in the district.
