Bhubaneswar: Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, which shares its border with West Bengal, has increasingly become a transit route for cow smugglers transporting livestock to the neighboring state. However, timely intervention by the Baripada Town Police thwarted a major smuggling attempt on Saturday night, leading to the rescue of 24 cows, the seizure of three pickup vans, and the arrest of three drivers.
According to police sources, the operation took place late at night on September 14, when a patrolling team from Baripada Town Police Station was deployed in the Baghra Road area of the district headquarters. Acting on a tip-off from reliable sources, the police learned that several pickup vans loaded with cows were moving from Baripada via Shuliapada towards West Bengal.
The police immediately set up a blockade at Baghra Road to intercept the vehicles. However, the smugglers attempted to evade the barricade and sped away. The police team pursued the vans and managed to stop them after a short chase.
Upon inspection, the officials discovered that 24 cows had been crammed into the three pickup trucks in extremely inhumane conditions. The drivers failed to produce any valid documents for transporting the animals, raising clear suspicion of illegal smuggling.
Baripada Town police team successfully rescued 24 nos. of cattle during illegal transportation near Baghra road and seized 3 pickup vans. In this connection, 3 accused persons are apprehended and a case has been registered in Baripada Town PS. pic.twitter.com/rWqGJXAAVh
— MAYURBHANJ POLICE (@spmayurbhanj) September 14, 2025
Following the seizure, the three drivers were taken into custody and brought to Baripada Town Police Station for interrogation. Preliminary questioning revealed that the cows were indeed being transported illegally to West Bengal.
Confirming the development, Town Police Station Officer-in-Charge Karunakar Raut stated that a case had been registered in connection with the incident. He further added that the rescued cows had been shifted to a shelter at Shyamakhunta. “The drivers have been arrested, and we are investigating to identify the kingpin behind this racket. We are hopeful of nabbing the mastermind soon,” Raut said.
Reports suggest that smugglers frequently use Mayurbhanj as a passage for transporting cows to West Bengal due to its strategic location along the interstate border. Several such incidents have been reported in recent months, drawing serious concern from local residents and activists.
Animal welfare groups and cow protection activists have urged both the police and district administration to step up vigilance along the identified smuggling routes. They demand stricter monitoring of highways, border check-posts, and rural routes frequently used by traffickers. Activists argue that unless surveillance and enforcement are intensified, cow smuggling will continue to flourish in the region.
This latest bust by Baripada Town Police has been hailed as a significant success in the fight against illegal cow transportation. Local communities expressed relief, stating that such operations are crucial not only to protect cows but also to uphold law and order in the border district.
With increased patrolling, quick police response, and better intelligence-sharing mechanisms, authorities hope to dismantle the organized network of smugglers operating in the region. Residents are optimistic that sustained efforts will bring the menace under control and discourage traffickers from using Mayurbhanj as a safe corridor.
The successful rescue of 24 cows and the arrest of three accused once again highlight the importance of vigilance in combating smuggling networks. The ongoing investigation into the kingpin’s involvement could potentially expose a larger syndicate. Meanwhile, the police have assured that operations against illegal cow transportation will continue with greater intensity in the coming days.
