The issue of cow smuggling in Odisha remains a serious concern, with two major incidents reported in Jajpur and Keonjhar districts within just 48 hours. In these cases, over 113 cows were rescued through coordinated efforts by police and local residents. While the police launched a significant operation in Keonjhar, it was local residents in Jajpur who intercepted smugglers and handed them over to the authorities. These incidents not only highlighted the scale of the illegal trade but also reflected public outrage over the inhumane treatment of animals.
Over 70 cows rescued in Jajpur; Three suspects detained
In Jajpur’s Panikoili police station area, a large container truck (HR 45 B 9994) carrying more than 70 cows was intercepted on Wednesday. The truck, reportedly en route from Sambalpur to Kolkata, was seized after locals raised an alarm. Police confirmed that 14 of the rescued cows were later sent to Chhatia Gaushala.
Eyewitnesses reported that two men on a motorcycle were escorting the container to help it evade detection. Sensing possible police checks, the driver diverted from the main road to a service lane. However, alerted locals managed to block the vehicle near Panikoili Square. Upon opening the container, they discovered cows crammed inside under deplorable conditions. Outraged at the sight, the crowd dragged the driver, his helper, and another man seated inside the truck and severely assaulted them. Meanwhile, the two bikers fled the scene.
Tensions escalated until Panikoili police station in-charge Ranjit Kumar Mahanti arrived to pacify the crowd. The police then moved the container to Panikoili College grounds, where the cows were unloaded. Some cows were taken away by villagers, while the remaining were shifted to a gaushala. The three injured suspects were taken into custody and admitted to Korei Community Health Centre for treatment. All three are believed to be from Uttar Pradesh, although their full identities have yet to be established.
Keonjhar Police Raid: 43 cows and four vehicles seized
A day earlier, in Keonjhar district, police conducted a large-scale raid against cow smugglers in Santarapur village under Ghatagaon police limits. Acting on a tip-off, a special team led by Additional SP Piyush Mahapatra carried out a late-night operation.
During the raid, four vehicles—two pick-up vans and two mini trucks—carrying 43 cows were seized, along with three motorcycles used by the smugglers. Two suspects were arrested on the spot, and all rescued cows were later sent to a nearby gaushala.
The operation involved Ghatagaon Inspector-in-Charge Prashant Kumar Samal, SI Prashant Behera, Dhenkikote outpost officer Trinath Nayak, and a platoon of police force.
Cow Smuggling: A persistent challenge
Cow smuggling has long been a pressing problem in Odisha, with traffickers transporting animals in unsafe and cruel conditions to West Bengal and other states. Despite repeated police raids and protests from locals, the illegal trade continues unabated.
The back-to-back incidents in Jajpur and Keonjhar underline both the persistence of the problem and the growing public anger against it. Police officials have stated that thorough investigations are underway to trace the entire network behind these operations. Locals, meanwhile, have demanded stricter enforcement and permanent solutions to curb the menace.
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