Incidents of cattle smuggling continue to surface in various districts of Odisha. Over the past week, vehicles involved in this illegal activity have been intercepted in the state capital, Bhubaneswar, as well as in the districts of Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Bhadrak, resulting in the rescue of a significant number of cattle. In Mayurbhanj district alone, nearly 300 cattle—most of them calves—were rescued. Similarly, a case involving cattle smuggling using stolen vehicles was uncovered in Bhubaneswar. In Jajpur, cattle were being smuggled in a vehicle disguised as one carrying fish, while in Bhadrak, they were transported under extremely inhumane conditions.
Nearly 300 Cattle Rescued from Smuggling Attempt to West Bengal in Mayurbhanj
In a major crackdown on illegal cattle transportation, Mayurbhanj police rescued nearly 300 cattle that were allegedly being smuggled to neighbouring West Bengal. The rescue operation took place during a joint raid on June 4, conducted by police teams from Morada, Baisinga, Badasahi, and Rasgovindpur in Govindraipur village of Kalama Panchayat, under the jurisdiction of Baisinga police station in Betnoti block.
According to police officials, the operation was initiated based on credible intelligence indicating a large gathering of livestock at three different public locations. Upon arrival, officers discovered the cattle kept in highly inhumane and deplorable conditions.
“When locals were asked to provide valid ownership documents for the animals, they were unable to give satisfactory answers. Consequently, a total of 294 cattle were seized,” confirmed a senior police official. The animals were subsequently relocated to a cow shelter (goshala) in Balasore for proper care and rehabilitation.
The rescue team comprised the Inspectors-in-Charge of Badasahi, Baisinga, Morada, and Rasgovindpur police stations, along with personnel from the platoon force.
Three separate cases have been registered under Sections 303(2) and 11(a)(f)(h)(k) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling network.
Cattle Smuggling in Jajpur Using a Fish Transport Vehicle; Locals Hand Over Vehicle to Police
Repeated complaints of cattle smuggling have been reported from Rampur Shagdi in Golaipur Panchayat under the Panikoili police station in Jajpur district. Instead of ceasing their activities, cattle smugglers are now adopting new methods.
On June 5, a fish-laden pickup van (registration number OR 05 AJ 2188) was frequently seen moving along Mirzapur road. As fish transportation in this area had been halted for a long time, the constant movement of the van raised suspicions among locals. At Mirzapur Chhak, some youths stopped the vehicle and questioned the driver, who fled the scene without providing any explanation, further heightening their suspicions.
Upon opening the vehicle, 14 cows were discovered inside in a very pitiable condition. Of these, 10 cows were handed over to local cowherds, while the remaining four, along with the pickup van, were taken into police custody. The police have since seized the vehicle and initiated an investigation.
Cattle are being smuggled out of the state day and night from Rampur Shagdi in a covert manner. However, the administration appears to be turning a blind eye despite being aware of the situation.
Cattle Smuggling in Bhadrak Using Bolero and Pickup Vans; 34 Cattle Rescued
After a brief lull, cattle smugglers have once again become active in Bhadrak, employing various methods for their illicit activities. On June 1, police seized a Bolero vehicle engaged in cattle smuggling from the RMC Market premises near Puruna Bazaar police station in Bhadrak, rescuing around 34 cattle from the vehicle.
Another pickup van transporting cattle was intercepted in the RMC Market area in Bhadrak. Similarly, the Town police seized a Bolero loaded with cattle near Sahapur Mosque within Town Police Station limits.
From the seized vehicles, 22 cattle were found in the pickup van and 12 in the Bolero, bringing the total to 34 cattle rescued by the police, who then transferred them to a cowshed in Maitapur. Meanwhile, the smugglers escaped the scene.
Cattle Smuggling Racket Busted in Bhubaneswar Using Stolen Vehicles
The Commissionerate Police has dismantled a gang involved in cattle smuggling using stolen vehicles from Bhubaneswar and surrounding areas. In this operation, ten vehicles have been seized, and two individuals have been arrested.
A pickup van loaded with cows was travelling from Jatni to Sundarpada near Bhubaneswar when local youths attempted to stop it, resulting in stones being hurled at them. Following this, a team from Airfield Police Station arrived at the scene and rescued five cattle.
Upon questioning the two suspects, it was revealed that the gang had been using stolen vehicles for cattle smuggling.
S. Devdutta Singh, Commissioner of Police for the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate, informed during a press briefing on June 5 that Iftikhar Alam and Arman from the Pipili area have been arrested in this case. Based on their interrogation, police recovered ten stolen vehicles. More than 20 cases have been registered against these individuals in various police stations across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
