Bhubaneswar: In a significant crackdown against illegal cattle trade, Sundargarh police have uncovered an interstate smuggling network armed with weapons. During the operation, eight smugglers were arrested, and 105 cattle were safely rescued from their possession. This was informed by Sundargarh Superintendent of Police, Amritpal Kaur, at a press conference held at Bargaon police station.
Armed ‘Escort’ for Cattle Smugglers
According to Police officials, a tip-off revealed that a group of armed individuals was transporting cattle from Chhattisgarh to Khatkurbahal via two four-wheeled vehicles. The smugglers were reportedly providing armed protection or ‘escort’ to the cattle herd during the transit.
Acting on the information, SP Amritpal Kaur ordered the formation of a special team to intercept the suspects. The team laid an ambush near Kumbhal Chowk on the state highway, stopping both vehicles for inspection. During the search, Arvind Sarangi (19) of Bardgaon and Mohammad Kais (22) of Khatkurbahal were arrested from a Hyundai i20. Police recovered a locally made pistol loaded with five live rounds from their possession.
In a second vehicle, a Maruti Brezza carrying six other suspects, police recovered a 7.65 calibre locally made air gun along with a magazine and five live rounds. The identities of the Brezza occupants were confirmed as Krishna Chandra Barik (29), Ajit Banchua (32), Dileep Kumar Barik (42), Santosh Dharua (51), Keshab Barsatia (30), and Sitaram Nayak (42), all from the Talsara block.
Rising Cases of Cattle Smuggling
SP Kaur informed that since 2025, Sundargarh district has recorded 37 cases of cattle smuggling, during which 864 cattle have been rescued, and 94 suspects have faced strict legal action. She emphasised that this recent operation not only prevented a large-scale illegal cattle trade but also reinforced law and order in the region. SP Kaur urged citizens to promptly report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Major Cattle Rescues at Kumbhal and Jhirpani
In a related development, Sundargarh police intercepted smuggling activities near the villages of Kumbhal and Jhirpani, rescuing over 100 cattle in two separate operations. The smugglers fled the scene before police could apprehend them. The rescued animals were safely transferred to a local cattle shelter, and their owners are being identified as part of ongoing investigations.
Police officials highlighted that several cattle traders from Khatkurbahal have been involved in illegal smuggling for years. Recent months have seen a series of focused police operations targeting this illegal trade, signalling the administration’s strict approach toward eradicating cattle smuggling.
Crackdown Reinforces Law and Order
Authorities said that the crackdown has sent a clear message to cattle smugglers operating in the region. The combination of intelligence-based policing and rapid deployment has proven effective in curbing such organized crime. SP Kaur reiterated that law enforcement will continue to take decisive action against all illegal activities, safeguarding both livestock and public security.
