BHUBANESWAR: Following an extensive crackdown by Odisha Police on an organised cattle smuggling syndicate, smugglers have begun adopting new methods to evade law enforcement. Instead of using trucks or containers, they are now attempting to move cattle on foot along national highways towards West Bengal. A recent operation in northern Odisha has exposed this shift in tactics, leading to the rescue of over 300 cattle and the arrest of 11 individuals accused of smuggling.
Smugglers Caught Moving Cattle on Foot
According to official sources, the police intercepted a group of smugglers transporting more than 300 cows from Mayurbhanj district to West Bengal. The accused were caught on National Highway 49 near Baripada, where they were allegedly driving the cattle on foot to avoid suspicion.
Local residents of Bangiriposi played a crucial role in thwarting the operation. They stopped the smugglers and alerted the police, leading to the custody of all 11 suspects. The arrested individuals reportedly hail from Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Keonjhar districts. Police confirmed that the accused will be produced before a court for further legal proceedings.
This action is part of a larger anti-smuggling operation that initially began in Keonjhar district and has since expanded to more than five districts across northern Odisha.
Raids on the Mastermind’s Network
As the investigation progressed, police conducted targeted raids at locations suspected of being linked to the cattle smuggling racket. One of the most significant raids took place at the Baripada residence of Surjit Mohanty, who has been identified as the alleged kingpin of the smuggling network.
During the search, police seized approximately Rs 33 lakh in cash, along with gold and silver ornaments believed to have been acquired through illegal activities. Authorities suspect that Mohanty’s assets may be directly connected to profits from the illicit cattle trade.
In a parallel operation at Tentoposi in Rairangpur, police raided seven houses linked to the racket. This led to the seizure of four pickup trucks and nine motorcycles, which were allegedly used to transport cattle. Additionally, six individuals were detained for questioning to determine their roles in the smuggling network.
Balasore Link of Cattle Mafia Sujit Mohanty Under Scanner
The investigation has also revealed fresh details about the Balasore connection of cattle mafia Sujit Mohanty, a resident of Jharpokharia in Mayurbhanj district.
Police sources indicate that Sujit Mohanty is suspected of owning substantial properties in the Balasore region. As part of the probe, Keonjhar Police conducted raids in Padhuapada, Balasore, in connection with the case.
Earlier, police conducted an extensive search of the residence of Mohanty’s relative and brother, Tapan Mohanty. During the raid, officials inspected a three-storey building and verified documents related to a luxury BMW car found on the premises. Authorities are now investigating the source of funds used to purchase these assets, suspecting they may be linked to illegal financial dealings in the cattle-smuggling trade.
Police officials indicated that further raids are likely as more information about the network’s operations emerges.
Economic Offence Angle Under Investigation
The Baripada Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) said that police will intensify raids and seizures in the coming days. He confirmed that individuals found to be involved in the racket will be charged under economic offence provisions, as officers are now focusing on the financial backbone of the smuggling network.
Authorities are currently investigating how the accused amassed large sums of money and assets. The police are also tracking suspicious financial transactions linked to the smuggling syndicate.
Smuggling Disguised as Construction Material Trade
During the investigation, police discovered that smugglers were using the guise of trading in iron rods, cement, and other construction materials to conceal their illegal cattle transportation activities.
While the 11 recently arrested individuals were primarily engaged in the physical transportation of cattle, the masterminds behind the syndicate have been identified. Police officials indicated that more arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.
Keonjhar Police to Investigate 50 Bank Accounts, Open 20 Lockers
It may be noted that on January 17, Keonjhar Police arrested 10 more alleged cattle smugglers following extensive raids in the districts of Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Keonjhar.
Police stated that these individuals had been involved in illegal cattle transportation for an extended period. All 10 accused were presented before the court on Monday.
The prime suspect in this case has been identified as Sheikh Tajuddin, alias Rajan, from Bhadrak district. His arrest led to a coordinated crackdown across multiple districts, resulting in the detention of several members of the smuggling network.
Financial Assets Under Investigation
As part of the financial probe, police will now scrutinise approximately 50 bank accounts and open over 20 lockers belonging to the arrested individuals. Investigators aim to trace the flow of illegal funds and assess properties and assets acquired through the cattle-smuggling trade.
Police sources confirmed that Tajuddin alone is suspected of owning more than 10 lockers, all of which will be examined.
Substantial Seizure of Cash, Gold, and Vehicles
During the recent raids, police recovered cash exceeding Rs 1.52 crore, gold weighing 1 kg 131 grams, silver weighing 3 kg 80 grams, 23 four-wheelers, 23 two-wheelers, 13 mobile phones, and 21 high-value wristwatches.
Authorities have contacted the relevant watch manufacturers to determine the market value of the seized items.
2025 Smuggling Incident Involving Police Uncovered
Police revealed that in 2025, Daitari Police attempted to stop a cattle smuggling operation, during which smugglers allegedly ran their vehicle over police personnel, injuring two officers. Following the incident, surveillance was intensified.
After nearly eight months of monitoring, police conducted simultaneous raids at five major locations, eventually uncovering links to 46 additional sites across the state.
Assets Worth Crores Expected to Be Attached
According to police sources, properties worth over ₹50 lakh have already been identified, with further investigations expected to reveal assets valued in several crores. These properties will be attached and seized in accordance with the law.
Authorities are also investigating potential interstate and cross-border links, suspecting that the accused may have connections in Bangladesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, although official confirmation has not yet been made.
Police Aim to Dismantle the Smuggling Syndicate
Police officials reiterated that the current operation aims not only to arrest smugglers but also to dismantle the financial structure of the cattle smuggling network. The investigation is ongoing, and further action is anticipated in the coming days.
