Bhubaneswar: Despite recent crackdown on cattle smuggling in parts of Odisha, illegal transportation of cattle continues unabated in certain districts. A fresh case has surfaced in Mayurbhanj district after a container truck carrying cattles reportedly developed a mechanical fault, leading to the rescue of six cattles. However, 19 other cows were dead due to suffocation.
According to official sources, the incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Bishoi police station in Mayurbhanj district. The illegal transportation came to light after a cattle-laden container truck broke down due to a technical malfunction and was abandoned by its driver near Kadapani Chhak along National Highway No. 49.
Police said the container was allegedly transporting 25 cattle illegally towards West Bengal. Following the mechanical failure, the driver fled the spot, leaving the vehicle parked along the roadside. Local residents grew suspicious after noticing a strong foul smell emanating from the container. They promptly alerted the Bishoi police. Acting on the information, a police team led by Inspector-in-Charge Sarat Chandra Das reached the scene and seized the vehicle.
With the help of a JCB machine, the container was opened in the presence of officials. Police discovered that 25 cattle had been crammed tightly inside the vehicle under inhumane conditions. Preliminary findings indicate that 19 cattle had died due to suffocation, while six were found alive in critical condition. The shocking condition of the cows triggered widespread anger among local residents. Community members demanded strict action against those involved in the illegal trade and criticized what they described as inadequate enforcement of existing anti-smuggling laws.
Residents alleged that such incidents have occurred repeatedly in the region. They claimed that despite laws aimed at curbing cattle smuggling in the state, poor implementation has emboldened smugglers. Locals argued that the present case surfaced only because the vehicle broke down, otherwise the illegal transportation might have gone undetected. Police later buried the carcasses in a nearby forest area under official supervision. The six surviving cattle were shifted to a local cowshed for medical care and rehabilitation.
A case has been registered at Bishoi police station under Case No. 24/26 and the container truck has been seized. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling network. Officials noted that this is not an isolated incident. In the previous month, the Keonjhar police had carried out a large-scale crackdown on cattle smugglers operating across multiple districts, including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Jajpur. During the raids, law enforcement authorities searched several houses and hideouts linked to suspected smugglers and reportedly recovered more than ₹4.5 crore in cash.
Despite such enforcement drives, incidents of illegal cattle transportation continue to surface, raising concerns about organized smuggling networks operating across district and state borders. Police officials have reiterated their commitment to intensifying surveillance and strengthening enforcement mechanisms to prevent further cases of illegal cattle transportation. Efforts are underway to trace the absconding driver and uncover the larger network behind the operation.
