Bhubaneswar: In a significant crackdown on organised cattle-smuggling networks operating in Odisha, police have conducted coordinated raids across multiple districts in the Eastern Range. This operation has resulted in the seizure of over Rs 50 lakh in cash, substantial quantities of gold and silver, vehicles used for transportation, and several weapons. The extensive operation, which spanned dozens of locations in the Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak districts, has also led to the detention of several suspects believed to be involved in the illegal trade.
The large-scale enforcement drive was conducted under the supervision of Eastern Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Pinak Mishra, who confirmed that the operation was initiated following a series of complaints regarding cattle theft and smuggling in the region.
Police officials described this action as one of the largest recent operations targeting organised cattle smuggling networks in northern Odisha.
Coordinated Raids Across Three Districts
According to police authorities, simultaneous searches were conducted at 32 locations across the Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak districts as part of the crackdown. The targeted locations were identified based on intelligence inputs and complaints from farmers and local residents about cattle theft and suspicious transportation activities.
DIG Pinak Mishra stated that the coordinated operation was launched after police received multiple complaints regarding cattle theft incidents throughout the Eastern Range.
“We had received numerous complaints about cattle theft and related incidents in several areas under our jurisdiction. Based on these complaints and intelligence inputs, we initiated a coordinated operation under the supervision of the Superintendents of Police from the three districts. The operation is still ongoing,” Mishra said.
Police teams conducted searches at houses and premises believed to be linked to suspected cattle smugglers, aiming to uncover financial transactions, transportation networks, and other evidence associated with the illegal cattle trade.
Large Police Deployment for the Operation
Given the scale of the crackdown, a significant number of police personnel were deployed to conduct simultaneous raids and prevent suspects from escaping.
DIG Mishra noted that the operation involved 18 police platoons, along with senior officers of various ranks. The teams included eight Additional Superintendents of Police (Addl SPs), 17 officers of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank, 25 Inspectors, and 67 Sub-Inspectors (SIs) and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs).
This coordinated deployment enabled police to carry out simultaneous searches across multiple districts, ensuring that suspects could not evade detection or destroy evidence.
Cash, Gold, Silver and Vehicles Recovered
During the raids, police recovered substantial amounts of cash and valuables believed to have been generated through illegal cattle trading.
DIG Mishra confirmed that over Rs 50 lakh in cash has been seized so far, although the final amount may increase as counting continues at various locations.
“So far, we have conducted raids at 32 locations and seized more than ₹50 lakh in cash. This is a preliminary figure, as counting is still ongoing in some areas,” Mishra stated.
In addition to cash, police also recovered large quantities of gold and silver ornaments. Authorities suspect these valuables were purchased using profits generated from illegal cattle smuggling.
Several vehicles believed to have been used for transporting cattle illegally were also seized during the raids. Police officials mentioned that the process of verifying the registration documents and ownership details of these vehicles is still underway.
“We have also seized multiple vehicles used for illegal cattle transportation. The documentation process is ongoing, and we will provide exact figures once the operation concludes,” Mishra added.
Weapons Recovered from Raid Locations
The searches also led to the recovery of firearms and other weapons, indicating that the smuggling network may have been operating as an organised crime syndicate.
Police officials seized guns, swords, and other sharp weapons from various locations during the raids.
Investigators believe these weapons were purchased using profits earned from illegal cattle trading.
The presence of weapons has raised concerns among authorities about the potential for violent resistance and the involvement of organised criminal groups in cattle smuggling activities.
Detentions and Ongoing Investigation
Several individuals suspected of involvement in cattle smuggling have been detained during the raids.
According to DIG Mishra, six suspects were detained in Bhadrak district, four in Balasore, and five in Mayurbhanj.
While some suspects managed to escape during the operation, police officials expressed confidence that they would be apprehended soon.
“We have detained several individuals for questioning. A few suspects managed to flee during the raids, but we are confident they will be arrested soon,” Mishra noted.
Police teams are also examining financial documents, mobile phones, and digital records seized during the raids to identify other members of the network.
Major Police Action in Bhadrak District
A significant part of the crackdown took place in Bhadrak district, where police conducted late-night raids at eight locations suspected of being linked to organised cattle smuggling.
The targeted areas included Puruna Bazar, Gujidarada, Santhia, Nangamahala, and Alalpur.
Around six platoons of police personnel were deployed during the operation. The team included two DSPs, ten Inspectors, Odisha Special Armed Force (OSAF) personnel, and officers from nearby police stations.
During the raids, police detained five individuals and seized nearly ₹20 lakh in cash, along with firearms and other weapons.
Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rout stated that one of the suspected cattle smugglers, identified as Bhalla, was apprehended while attempting to flee from Alalpur during the operation.
“Some of the accused have been detained, and those who fled will be arrested soon. The raids will continue as part of our ongoing efforts to dismantle the cattle smuggling network,” Rout said.
Police officials also recovered gold ornaments and other valuables from the raid locations.
According to the SP, these items were believed to have been purchased using profits earned from illegal cattle trading.
“We have seized cash, guns, swords, gold, and other items. These were purchased with the proceeds from illegal cattle smuggling,” Rout said.
Simultaneous Raids in Balasore
Police in Balasore district also conducted simultaneous searches at around nine locations since midnight as part of the coordinated operation.
The raids were carried out in Balasore town and in areas such as Soro, Bahanaga, and Jaleswar.
Police teams searched several houses suspected of being linked to cattle smuggling.
Balasore Superintendent of Police Pratyush Diwakar confirmed that police seized multiple vehicles used for cattle transportation during the searches.
Authorities also recovered cash, valuables, electronic gadgets, and ornaments from the targeted locations.
“Persons suspected of being involved in illegal cattle trade have been detained. After verifying their involvement, we will proceed with formal arrests,” Diwakar said.
He added that nine police teams were deployed to conduct the searches, and investigators would examine possible links between local smugglers and interstate smuggling networks.
Raids Across Mayurbhanj District
Meanwhile, in Mayurbhanj district, police conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations early Tuesday morning targeting suspected cattle smugglers.
According to police sources, the operation covered about 15 locations across the district.
The raids were carried out in areas including Rairangpur, Jharpokharia, Bangiriposi, Saraskana, and Baisinga.
Senior police officials, including the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Inspectors-in-Charge (IICs), and other officers, were part of the coordinated operation.
During the raids, police searched the houses of suspected cattle smugglers and recovered cash amounting to nearly Rs 10 lakh along with jewellery worth several lakhs.
Police also seized four four-wheelers and five motorcycles believed to have been used in cattle transportation.
Officials noted that a similar operation was conducted in the district earlier this year.
In January, a major raid in Mayurbhanj resulted in the seizure of nearly Rs 32 lakh in cash.
Smuggling Routes Under Police Scanner
Investigators believe that Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts serve as key transit corridors for cattle smuggling operations.
According to DIG Mishra, smugglers were transporting cattle to neighbouring states using vehicles and sometimes moving animals along less-patrolled routes to evade detection.
“Balasore and Mayurbhanj act as major transit routes for cattle smuggling. The smugglers use vehicles and sometimes walk along remote routes to avoid police surveillance,” Mishra said.
Authorities are now working to identify the broader network involved in the illegal trade and trace financial transactions linked to the smuggling syndicate.
Police officials said cattle theft and illegal smuggling not only cause economic losses to farmers but also sometimes lead to social tensions in rural areas.
Authorities have made it clear that the ongoing operation is part of a broader effort to dismantle organised cattle-smuggling networks in the state.
Investigators are analysing seized documents, financial records, and digital evidence to identify other individuals involved in the illegal trade.
Police have reiterated their commitment to a strict “zero-tolerance” policy against cattle smuggling and related crimes.
