BHUBANEWAR: A major case of illegal cattle smuggling has come to light in Odisha’s Koraput district after a container transporting cows met with an accident near the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border, resulting in the death of more than 40 cows. The incident has triggered widespread public anger, with local residents and cattle protection groups demanding stringent action against those involved in the illegal trade.
According to official sources, the container was carrying more than 50 cows in extremely inhumane conditions from Chhattisgarh to Andhra Pradesh. The accident occurred near Kumar village under the Kotpad block of Koraput district. Preliminary investigation suggests that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing the container to overturn along the roadside. As a result, over 40 cows died on the spot, while several others sustained serious injuries.
Soon after the accident, the container’s driver and helper reportedly fled the scene, further raising suspicions of organised cattle smuggling. Upon receiving information, local residents, members of Hindu organisations and cow protection groups rushed to the spot. Visuals of cows packed tightly inside the container in deplorable conditions sparked outrage among the crowd.
The district administration and police later arrived at the scene and launched rescue and relief operations. More than 10 cows that were found alive inside the overturned container were safely rescued and shifted for veterinary treatment. The Kotpad police, Tehsildar Twinkle Sethi, and personnel from the fire services department jointly conducted the operation.
The carcasses of the dead cows were removed from the container and buried in a nearby forest area.
Kotpad police station in-charge Paramananda Sunani said a case has been registered in connection with the incident and that an investigation is underway. “The driver and helper are absconding. Efforts are on to identify and arrest all those involved in this illegal cattle smuggling racket. Strict legal action will be taken against the accused,” he said, adding that police are examining the possible involvement of a larger inter-state network.
The incident has once again highlighted the recurring issue of illegal cattle trafficking through the Koraput district. Notably, a similar case was reported on December 6 this year, when cattle smugglers attempted to transport 32 cows to Hyderabad by concealing them beneath trays of green vegetables in an Eicher vehicle. Acting on a tip-off, local youths intercepted the vehicle near Purunagarh Chhak. The driver and helper fled immediately, following which police and villagers searched the vehicle and rescued the cows.
Local activists and residents allege that illegal cattle transportation has become a routine affair along this route, despite repeated complaints to the authorities. They claim that the lack of sustained and effective enforcement has emboldened smugglers and their networks. Demanding urgent intervention, locals have urged the police administration to intensify night patrolling, conduct regular vehicle checks and take exemplary action to curb cattle smuggling and animal cruelty in the region.
The latest incident has intensified calls for stronger coordination between border districts and neighbouring states to dismantle organised cattle trafficking networks operating across state boundaries.
