BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Police have intensified their crackdown on organised cattle smuggling networks, uncovering large-scale financial transactions and innovative methods used by smugglers to evade detection. In a major operation led by Keonjhar police, so far Rs 4.40 crore has been seized from 121 bank accounts linked to an organised cow smuggling racket operating across multiple districts of the state.
According to police officials, sustained raids conducted over the past few days in Keonjhar and other districts have exposed the financial backbone of the illegal cattle trade. Investigations so far have identified nearly 200 bank accounts suspected to be linked to the smuggling network across five districts—Keonjhar, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Khordha. Of these, 121 accounts have already been scrutinised, leading to the seizure of ₹4.40 crore. Authorities said the remaining 79 accounts have yet to be examined, suggesting the total amount involved in the racket could be significantly higher.
During the investigation, police also discovered that the accused controlled more than 50 bank lockers, further highlighting the scale and sophistication of the financial operations behind the illegal trade. The lockers, along with other movable and immovable assets, are currently under audit as investigators attempt to trace the full money trail linked to cattle smuggling.
The coordinated operation involved the simultaneous deployment of 47 police teams across the five districts. Officials said the objective of the large-scale raids was not only to dismantle the organised cattle smuggling network but also to identify the individuals financing and facilitating the illegal trade. Police have reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against all those found involved.
Keonjhar police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that all identified bank accounts, lockers and properties will be thoroughly examined. Authorities have assured that the state police will continue sustained action to curb illegal cattle trade and break the financial networks that sustain such activities.
Oil Tanker Used for Cattle Smuggling in Bhadrak
Even as police action against cattle smugglers continues, a shocking incident in Bhadrak district has revealed the lengths to which smugglers are going to bypass law enforcement. An unusual case of cattle smuggling came to light when an oil tanker was allegedly used to transport cattle illegally.
According to police sources, local residents intercepted the tanker while it was being used to transport cattle in an inhuman manner. The incident occurred near Barikpur Chhak on National Highway-16 in Bhadrak district. The tanker, originally designed for transporting oil, was travelling from Cuttack to Bhadrak when locals grew suspicious and stopped the vehicle.
Upon inspection, more than 35 cattle were found packed inside the oil tanker. The manner in which the animals were transported sparked outrage among local residents, leading to a tense situation at the spot. The use of an oil tanker for cattle smuggling further intensified public anger, as it reflected the smugglers’ attempts to adopt unconventional and deceptive methods to evade detection.
Police arrived at the scene soon after receiving the information and brought the situation under control. An investigation has been launched to determine how the cattle were loaded onto the tanker and identify all those involved in the alleged smuggling operation. Officials said appropriate legal action would be taken against the accused under relevant laws.
The twin developments—the large-scale seizure of funds linked to organised cattle smuggling and the interception of an oil tanker used for illegal transport—have raised serious concerns over the growing sophistication of cattle smuggling networks in Odisha. Police officials said enforcement agencies remain alert and are strengthening surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent such activities and ensure strict compliance with the law.
