Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is seriously contemplating the enactment of a separate and stringent Cow Protection Law to address illegal slaughter and trafficking of cattle in the state. Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan emphasized that the government will not tolerate any lapses in the protection of cows, which are held in deep reverence across the country. He noted that a clearer framework for the proposed law may be established before the upcoming session of the Legislative Assembly.
The Minister’s remarks followed his meeting with a delegation of cow-protection activists who had been on a hunger strike in Bhubaneswar for five days, demanding stronger legal measures. After receiving assurances from the government, the fasting Go Rakshyaks agreed to end their protest.
Harichandan stated that devotion to cows is deeply ingrained in the hearts of people across India, and the state government is committed to upholding this emotional and cultural sentiment. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, he said, the “double engine government” is prioritizing cow protection in Odisha.
He also announced that a subsequent meeting involving the Chief Minister and representatives of cow-protection groups will be convened soon to discuss the structure of the proposed law and its effective implementation. The Minister assured the delegation that the government is fully committed to formulating a robust and enforceable legal framework to ensure cattle safety and prevent illegal practices.
Public representatives, including Government Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Shekhar Sahu, Bhadrak MLA Sitanshu Sekhar Mohapatra, and Mahakalapada MLA Durga Prasanna Nayak, were present during the discussions.
The activists initiated the hunger strike to protest what they described as rampant cow trafficking and the increasing number of illegal slaughterhouses across Odisha. They argued that, despite existing laws prohibiting cow slaughter and regulating cattle transportation, the lack of strict enforcement by police and district administration has rendered these laws ineffective. Consequently, large-scale trafficking of cattle continues toward neighboring West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.
During the hunger strike, the health conditions of some participants deteriorated, but they remained resolute in their refusal to withdraw until the government provided concrete assurances.
Earlier, concerns about rising cow trafficking had also reached the Odisha High Court, which directed the state government and law enforcement authorities to take necessary measures. Despite court directives, reports of cattle smuggling continued to emerge from several districts, fueling frustration among cow-protection groups.
Activists maintain that only a strong, independent, and strictly enforced law can curb illegal cattle transport and slaughter in the state. They stated that the protest aimed to pressure the government into taking decisive action in this direction.
Although the strike has been temporarily called off following the government’s promise, the activists have asserted their intention to closely monitor the situation. They emphasized that they will revive the movement if the proposed law is not enacted or implemented effectively.
With the government now working on a new legislative framework, stakeholders anticipate that Odisha may soon see the introduction of a dedicated cow-protection law aimed at eliminating illegal cattle trafficking and ensuring stronger enforcement mechanisms across districts.
Tension in Cuttack’s Rausapatana Chowk After Cow Meat Found; Situation Normal After Police Intervention
Tension flared in Cuttack city on the night of November 29 after cow remains were discovered near Rausapatana Chowk. Cow bones, including a skull, were found near a garbage dump close to the busy intersection. As news spread, hundreds of residents rushed to the scene, raising slogans and protesting, which quickly escalated the situation.
Upon receiving the alert, Cuttack DCP Rishikesh Khilari, Additional DCP Amarendra Panda, and a police team from Purighat Police Station arrived to assess the situation. The officials managed to pacify the crowd, assuring them that a detailed investigation would be conducted and strict action taken against those responsible. Following police intervention and continuous persuasion, the situation gradually returned to normal.
According to police sources, the cow remains were found around 11 PM near a waste collection point located a short distance from a local puja mandap in Rausapatana. As news spread across the area, anger among residents intensified. Locals demanded the immediate removal of the garbage dump, alleging that similar incidents had occurred repeatedly due to poor waste management in the locality. They also called for the relocation of all meat shops from the vicinity and for stern action against those involved in such acts.
Police officials assured the crowd that all necessary steps—including the removal of the waste dump—would be taken promptly. To prevent any untoward incidents, a heavy police presence was deployed in the area, and continuous monitoring was established.
Constable Arrested in Keonjhar for Alleged Collusion With Cow Traffickers
In a separate incident, a case of alleged police–trafficker collusion surfaced in Keonjhar district, where a constable posted at Telkoi Police Station was arrested for collaborating with cow traffickers. The arrested constable, Gourahari Patra, was reportedly providing confidential information to traffickers regarding police movements, raids, and inspections.
According to the investigation, Patra’s information helped the traffickers evade police actions on several occasions. The Intelligence Wing had been closely monitoring the illegal cattle smuggling route and had also tracked mobile phone communications. After confirming Patra’s involvement, the police registered a case and presented him before the court.
This incident has raised serious concerns about possible collusion between law enforcement personnel and illegal cow-trafficking networks. Senior police officials stated that stringent action will be taken against anyone involved in such activities, regardless of their position.
