Bhubaneswar: In a major blow to organized cattle smuggling in Odisha, the state police on January 17, Saturday carried out a large-scale, coordinated enforcement operation across four districts, detaining nine suspected members of an active cattle trafficking network and seizing substantial cash, precious metals and high-value assets.
The operation, aimed at dismantling illegal cattle transportation and financial irregularities linked to the smuggling syndicate, was launched simultaneously at 46 locations across Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts. Police said the raids were conducted based on a complaint registered at Daitari Police Station under Section 7 of the Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act.
Keonjhar Superintendent of Police (SP) Nitin Kushalkar stated that the department is committed to eliminating illegal cattle trade networks operating in the state. “Our objective is to identify and completely eradicate the organized criminal groups involved in cattle smuggling and associated economic crimes”, he said.
Key accused detained
Among those taken into custody are several individuals believed to be key operators in the network. Police identified the primary suspects as Sheikh Rajan alias Tajuddin of Bhadrak, Tipu Sultan of Santarpur, Tuna alias Mrutyunjay Mahapatra of Bisoi and Sujit Mohanty of Jharpokharia. These individuals are suspected of coordinating large-scale illegal cattle transportation and maintaining links with inter-district and possibly interstate smuggling channels.
Significant cash and asset recovery
According to the preliminary seizure report, police recovered a total of ₹1,40,01,280 in cash from nine different hideouts. Additionally, authorities seized 808.46 grams of gold and 2.885 kilograms of silver believed to have been acquired through the illegal trade.
The police also confiscated a fleet of vehicles allegedly used in smuggling operations, including 11 four-wheelers, such as SUVs and pickup vans and 13 two-wheelers. Investigators further seized 16 wristwatches and 13 mobile phones, which are expected to provide crucial leads regarding the syndicate’s communications and financial transactions. Police sources said the scale of the seizures indicates that the network was operating as a well-organized criminal enterprise rather than as isolated illegal traders.
Large police deployment
The crackdown was conducted under Daitari Police Station Case No. 107/2025 and involved the deployment of 65 specialized police teams. The operation was supervised by two Additional Superintendents of Police and supported by five Deputy Superintendents, 25 Inspectors and 36 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors. To maintain law and order and ensure the safety of the officers involved, 18 platoons of armed police forces were also stationed at the targeted sites.
Action against most-wanted smuggler
One of the key targets of the operation was Sheikh Rajan alias Tajuddin, considered the most wanted figure in the Bhadrak region’s cattle smuggling network. Police records show that Rajan has 12 criminal cases registered against him across various police stations.
During the raids, police recovered ₹60 lakh in cash from his residence, marking the largest single seizure in the operation. In an earlier search conducted at his premises on January 16, Friday, officers had already seized approximately ₹70 lakh in cash, gold ornaments and multiple high-end vehicles, including two Scorpio SUVs.
Investigation into financial and property assets
Police have also begun a detailed investigation into the suspect’s financial and real estate holdings. Authorities identified several properties owned by Rajan along the Bhadrak bypass area, including commercial establishments such as the Cosmo Shopping Mall and a residential nursing college.
To assist in assessing the market value of these immovable assets, the Keonjhar Panchayati Raj Department’s Junior Engineer, Jyoti Ranjan Pradhan, has been included in the investigation team. The preliminary valuation of Rajan’s known properties stands at approximately ₹3.3 crore. Officials added that the investigation will now extend to fixed deposits, insurance policies, mutual fund investments, and bank lockers associated with the accused and other members of the smuggling network.
Rising concern over illegal cattle trade
An internal report from the state Home Department indicates that more than 220 cases of illegal cattle transportation and slaughter have been registered across Odisha in the past four years. Authorities believe that such organized networks pose not only a law-and-order challenge but also a significant financial and ethical concern.
SP Kushalkar noted that the present crackdown is part of a long-term strategy initiated after an incident last year in which suspected cattle smugglers allegedly attacked a police vehicle and attempted to run over officers while fleeing. “Following that attack, we resolved to take decisive action against these organized criminal elements”, he said.
NATGRID exposes ₹100 crore illegal wealth
In a significant development, information obtained through the Government of India’s NATGRID(National Intelligence Grid) online platform has revealed that members of this smuggling syndicate may have accumulated assets worth nearly ₹100 crore through illegal cattle transportation. Based on these findings, police said they will initiate proceedings to attach and confiscate properties acquired through unlawful activities, while also moving to arrest the main conspirators behind the racket.
Police emphasized that all the raids were carried out peacefully and in accordance with legal procedures. They also warned that anyone found involved in cattle smuggling or related offenses will face strict action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests and property seizures are likely as more financial and digital evidence is analyzed.
