Bhubaneswar: Incidents of cattle smuggling are witnessing a disturbing rise across Odisha, with smugglers becoming increasingly aggressive and violent. In a shocking development, a youth was seriously injured after alleged cattle smugglers opened fire in Kendrapara. Within hours of the incident, two separate cattle-smuggling vehicles overturned in Keonjhar district, resulting in the death of three cattle. The series of events has raised serious concerns about law and order, policing lapses, and the growing strength of illegal smuggling networks in the state.
Kendrapara: Youth Shot by Cattle Smugglers During Pre-Dawn Attack
In the early hours of November 14 a youth was shot and injured in Kendrapara district after a confrontation with suspected cattle smugglers. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. in the Naranpur area under Sadar Police Station limits.
The injured youth has been identified as Akshaya Das, a resident of Pasta village. He sustained a bullet injury on his left thigh and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
According to local sources, a group of residents had stopped a suspicious vehicle near Gandakia Chhak, suspecting it to be involved in illegal cattle transportation. The same vehicle had reportedly been intercepted earlier by locals, who had already raised concerns about its repeated involvement in illicit activities.
While the youths were questioning the driver, another Bolero vehicle arrived at high speed from behind. Occupants of the second vehicle allegedly launched an attack on the group. Startled by the sudden assault, the youths ran toward their village to escape. The attackers believed to be part of a cattle-smuggling gang allegedly chased them into the village.
A local eyewitness recounted the terrifying moments: “We were four people. First, they threatened us, then took out a gun. Soon, two more vehicles arrived, including a Bolero with nearly 12 men. They opened fire and shot an innocent person.”
The police reached the location soon after receiving information. The injured youth was immediately taken for medical treatment, and an investigation has been launched. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being reviewed, and eyewitness statements have been recorded. Police officials have assured that the attackers will be identified and arrested soon.
This incident has fuelled public anger and highlighted growing concerns regarding unchecked cattle smuggling in the region.
Keonjhar: Two Separate Accidents Involving Smuggling Vehicles Leave Three Cattle Dead
Even as Kendrapara reeled from the firing incident, Keonjhar district witnessed two separate and serious accidents involving cattle-smuggling vehicles within a span of hours.
Bolero Carrying Stolen Cattle Overturns Near Harichandanpur
On the Naranpur–Duburi National Highway (NH-720), near Bhagamunda Hat Chhak under Harichandanpur Police Station, a Bolero carrying stolen cows crashed into the side railing of a bridge and overturned.The driver and his assistant suffered serious injuries in the accident.
Upon reaching the spot during night patrolling, police found five cattle loaded inside the overturned vehicle, one of which had died due to impact. During interrogation, the driver and his helper confessed that they had stolen the cattle from Parjang area in Dhenkanal district and were transporting them to West Bengal for illegal sale.
Police seized the vehicle and rescued the surviving cattle. The injured individuals were shifted to a hospital. A case has been registered under Case No. 262/14-11, invoking sections 281/125(A)/125(B)/303(2)/111(4)/3(5) of the BNS, along with relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RWS Act), Section 11(1)(A).
Banspal Block: Pickup Van Carrying Stolen Bulls Overturns, Two Dead
In another incident reported from Tala Janmari village under Kanjipani Police Station in Banspal Block, a pickup van carrying stolen bulls overturned, resulting in the death of two bulls, while a third was found critically injured.
According to residents, vehicles transporting cattle illegally pass through this route almost daily at high speed. Locals allege that such accidents could be prevented if police patrolling and vigilance were stronger, especially during nighttime.
Residents also expressed strong resentment as the police reportedly did not arrive at the scene for a long time after the accident. Meanwhile, the driver and accomplices abandoned the vehicle and fled from the spot.
Public Anger and Questions Over Policing
The back-to-back incidents in Kendrapara and Keonjhar have sparked intense anger among local communities, with residents asserting that cattle smugglers are operating with increasing boldness, posing a serious challenge to law and order. Locals have demanded enhanced night patrolling across vulnerable routes, strict enforcement and checkpoints on highways, an immediate crackdown on organized cattle-smuggling gangs, and accountability for police inaction. These incidents have renewed public debate on the growing cattle-smuggling mafia and its expanding networks across Odisha, with residents fearing that without strict intervention, the situation could further deteriorate.
