Police in Odisha have intensified their crackdown on illegal cattle smuggling operations, rescuing 59 cattle and arresting 11 individuals in two major operations conducted within the last 24 hours across northern and western Odisha.
According to official reports, six pickup vans carrying 48 cattle were intercepted and seized in Mayurbhanj district, while another pickup transporting 11 cattle was seized in Bargarh district, bordering Chhattisgarh. The animals were reportedly being transported in extremely inhumane conditions.
48 Cows Rescued in Mayurbhanj; 5 Arrested
Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by Mahuldiha Police Station IIC Arun Kumar Tudu conducted a night raid near the Bhaliadal–Purunapani road under Thakurmunda block. The team intercepted six pickup vans suspected of transporting cattle illegally.
Upon inspection, the police found 48 cows crammed tightly inside the vehicles. All six vans were seized and brought to the police station. Five drivers were arrested on the spot, while one suspect managed to flee. Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the absconding individual.
A case has been registered under Mahuldiha PS Case No. 103/25. The seized vehicles bear the following registration numbers: OD11AY-5158, OD11AE-2710, OD01A-3913, OD34D-3008, OD01AV-1714, and OD11AAF-5041.
Upon learning of the incident, local BJP MLA from Karanjia, Padmacharan Haiburu, visited the police station to assess the condition of the rescued animals. He instructed the officials to ensure proper medical examinations and the supply of fodder for the cattle. Veterinary doctors were called to examine all the rescued animals, after which they were shifted to a nearby cow shelter for rehabilitation.
Locals claimed that cattle smuggling has been rampant in the region, with regular transportation of animals from Odisha to neighboring West Bengal. Despite repeated complaints, authorities have allegedly failed to take effective action. Residents expressed concern that, despite strict anti-cattle smuggling laws and High Court directives, the illegal trade continues unchecked due to administrative negligence.
Cattle Smuggling Foiled Near Chhattisgarh Border; 6 Arrested
In another operation, the Ambabhona police in Bargarh district foiled an attempt to smuggle cattle into Chhattisgarh. Acting on intelligence inputs, a team led by IIC Bipin Bag intercepted a pickup van near Kapasira village along the interstate border.
The police found 11 cattle loaded in the vehicle and arrested five smugglers on the spot. The seized items include the pickup truck (OD17AA-5076), two motorcycles a Honda Shine SP 125 and a Honda Shine 100 DX three mobile phones, one keypad mobile, a tarpaulin sheet, four plastic ropes, and Rs 2,700 in cash.
All arrested individuals have been produced before the court for further legal proceedings.
Rising Concern Over Increasing Cattle Smuggling in Odisha
Frequent reports of cattle smuggling across Odisha have raised serious concerns about law enforcement and administrative vigilance. Residents have urged the government to tighten border surveillance and take stringent action against organised smuggling networks operating in the region.
Despite clear legal provisions and repeated judicial directions, cattle smuggling continues to flourish, often exploiting interstate borders with West Bengal and Chhattisgarh. Police officials have assured that surveillance and raids will be intensified in sensitive areas to curb this illegal activity.
