Odisha: Two cattle smugglers injured in police encounter in Sambalpur

Bhubaneswar.Two cattle smugglers were injured during an exchange of fire with police in Sambalpur, Odisha, on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred near the City Station area at approximately 5:35 AM when police intercepted a truck carrying over 30 cattle. The truck, which bore a Rajasthan number plate, was allegedly transporting cattle illegally from Odisha to West Bengal.

According to police, the smugglers, both residents of Howrah district in West Bengal, opened fire upon being intercepted. In response, the police returned fire, injuring the two suspects. Both smugglers sustained bullet wounds to their legs—one on the left knee and the other on the right knee. They were immediately taken to VIMSAR Medical College and Hospital in Burla, where they are reported to be stable and out of danger.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sasanka Shekhar Beura stated that several items were recovered from the scene. Four fired cartridges, two country-made pistols (7.65 MM), and the vehicle used by the smugglers, a black Hyundai Alcazar, were seized. Additionally, police discovered Rs 15,000 in cash and three mobile phones in the possession of the suspects. Over 30 cows and bulls were rescued from the truck and are now in safe custody.

The truck was transporting cattle illegally from Sohela in Odisha to West Bengal when it was intercepted. ASP Beura confirmed that the smugglers were escorting the vehicle, which had been flagged for suspicious activity. The suspects fired three rounds at the police before the officers retaliated.

The police clarified that the smugglers were the first to open fire, prompting the police to return fire in self-defence. The smugglers were subsequently apprehended and are receiving treatment for their injuries.

Himanshu Lal, Inspector General (IG) of Northern Range, emphasised that the operation was part of the police’s ongoing efforts to dismantle cattle smuggling rings operating both within Odisha and in neighbouring states. “Our prime objective is to eliminate the mafia involved in the illegal cattle trade. Strict action will be taken against those engaged in these criminal activities,” said Lal.

A further investigation is underway, with police suspecting that the smugglers may be part of a larger network involved in the illegal transportation of cattle across state borders. Authorities are working to identify and dismantle the entire operation.

The Sambalpur police have assured that they will continue to implement stringent measures to combat cattle smuggling and ensure the safety and security of livestock in the region.