Police and gaussevak groups busted two cattle-smuggling operations in Odisha, rescuing 75 cattle—31 from a container on NH-16 near Bhubaneswar and 44 from a truck in Bhadrak. On NH-16, gaussevaks intercepted a container headed from Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal, leading to a brief scuffle before police intervened
BHUBANESWAR: In a significant crackdown on cattle smuggling in Odisha, police and gau sevak groups carried out two major operations in Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak districts, rescuing a total of 75 cattle. Thirty-one cows and calves were freed from a container near the state capital, while 44 cattle were rescued from a truck in Bhadrak’s Basudevpur area. In both cases, the animals were found being transported in extremely inhuman and cruel conditions, triggering public outrage and renewed concern over the recurring incidents of cattle trafficking in the state.
31 Cattle Rescued from Container on NH-16 near Bhubaneswar
The first incident took place on National Highway No. 16, within the Khandagiri police station limits, near the Patrapada area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. According to police sources, a container carrying cattle was intercepted following specific intelligence inputs. The container was reportedly en route from Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal.
Gaussevak groups, acting on prior information, were already alert in the Patrapada area. As the container crossed the Patrapada foot overbridge, they signalled the driver to stop. However, the driver accelerated the vehicle in an attempt to flee. The gau sevaks chased the container and eventually managed to stop it near V-2 Square.
When the gaussevaks tried to question the occupants and sought details about the contents of the vehicle, the alleged smugglers resorted to verbal abuse. The confrontation soon escalated into a physical scuffle between the two sides. The situation turned tense as the altercation occurred in the middle of the busy national highway.
Due to the commotion, traffic on the highway was severely disrupted. Several vehicles travelling from Khordha towards Bhubaneswar remained stranded for hours, leading to long traffic snarls. Some gaussevaks climbed onto the container and raised slogans, further heightening tension in the area.
On receiving information, Khandagiri police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, averting a major law-and-order problem. During the operation, police arrested three cattle smugglers, while one accused managed to escape by exploiting the chaos.
The arrested persons were identified as Virendra Verma and Wajid Noor Hussain from Uttar Pradesh, and Sheikh Wazim Nawaz from Maharashtra. Upon inspection of the container, police rescued 31 cattle, including 20 cows and 11 calves. All the animals were shifted to a cowshed in Patrapada for shelter and care.
Officials stated that the cattle had been packed inside the container in an extremely cruel manner, with very little space for movement. Due to overcrowding and the long journey, several cows and calves were found injured and bleeding. The distressing condition of the animals further enraged people present at the spot. Police have registered a case under relevant sections and initiated a detailed investigation into the smuggling network.
44 Cattle Freed from Truck in Bhadrak’s Basudevpur
In another major operation, police busted a cattle smuggling attempt in Bhadrak district. Acting on prior information, Basudevpur and Nayakanidihi police set up a joint checkpoint on the Basudevpur–Dhamara road and intercepted a truck at Bideipur Chhak.
The truck was allegedly transporting cattle from the Dhamara area towards Jamujhadi. During the interception, police detained the truck driver and his associate for questioning. Local gaussevaks also reached the spot soon after the vehicle was stopped.
A search of the truck led to the rescue of 44 cattle, all of which were found crammed inside the vehicle. The animals were immediately shifted to the Chandimala cowshed, where arrangements were made for their unloading, medical treatment, food, and care.
Witnesses at the site expressed shock after seeing the number of cattle and their poor condition. Many animals appeared weak, exhausted, and dehydrated, indicating prolonged and stressful transportation.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of the Nayakanidihi police station officer-in-charge, Umashankar Nayak, and the Basudevpur police station officer-in-charge, Lopamudra Nayak, along with other police personnel and gaussevaks. Police have initiated legal proceedings and are probing the possible involvement of a larger smuggling network operating across districts and state borders.
Rising Concern over Cattle Smuggling
The back-to-back incidents in Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak have once again highlighted the growing menace of cattle smuggling in Odisha, particularly through national highways. With such cases reportedly occurring at regular intervals, questions are being raised about enforcement and surveillance mechanisms.
Gaussevaks and social organisations have demanded stricter monitoring, increased night patrols, and stronger action against smugglers to prevent such inhuman acts. They allege that despite repeated demands, adequate deterrent measures have yet to be implemented.
Meanwhile, police authorities maintain that strict vigilance is being exercised and that offenders involved in cattle trafficking are being dealt with firmly as per law. Investigations in both cases are ongoing, and further arrests are likely as police attempt to dismantle the organised networks behind cattle smuggling in the state.
