Bhubaneswar: Cow smuggling in Odisha is on the rise, with smugglers adopting new and deceptive tactics to avoid detection. Recently, it has come to light that these criminals are using vehicles with fake government department nameplates to transport cattle at night, picking them up directly from roadsides. This method aims to mislead law enforcement and the public, making the illegal activity appear as a legitimate government operation.
A significant case emerged in the Bolani police station area of Keonjhar district, located near the Odisha-Jharkhand border. Acting on suspicion, the Bolani police intercepted a Bolero vehicle during a routine night patrol and discovered two cows inside. One of the animals was found dead, while the other was critically injured.
According to police sources, the Bolani region is part of a mining belt where heavy vehicle traffic often leads to prolonged traffic jams. During a night patrol in the Matkambeda industrial area, police officers noticed a traffic build-up in front of a factory gate. Among the stuck vehicles was a Bolero, whose occupants attempted to flee upon noticing the police.
This behaviour raised suspicion, prompting officers to inspect the vehicle. Inside, they found two cows—one deceased and the other in critical condition. The injured cow was immediately handed over to veterinary officials for treatment, while the dead animal was sent for a post-mortem examination.
Use of Fake Government Identity
The Bolero vehicle displayed a forged “Finance Department” board, and the windshield featured the name “Jai Shankar,” an attempt to impersonate a government vehicle and divert suspicion. This tactic is now believed to be part of a growing trend in organised cow smuggling across the region.
A Bolani police official stated that smugglers are increasingly resorting to such deceptive practices to carry out cattle theft and trafficking. The vehicle’s documents are currently under verification, and police are working to trace its owner. The ultimate goal is to identify and apprehend the entire smuggling network involved in this operation.
Public Outrage and Rising Concerns
The incident has sparked anger among local residents, who are demanding stricter surveillance, increased night patrols, and thorough vehicle inspections to curb such illegal activities.
Recent months have seen a rise in cow smuggling cases, particularly along the Odisha-Jharkhand border, where cattle are illegally transported across state lines under the guise of legitimate transport.
An FIR has been lodged, and the investigation is ongoing. Officials believe that this incident is not isolated but part of a larger, well-organised smuggling syndicate. The police have assured the public that every angle will be investigated thoroughly, and strict action will be taken against those involved.
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