BHUBANESWAR: In a significant conviction under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a court in Odisha’s Kataka district has sentenced six persons to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on each in a case involving organised cattle trafficking and an alleged attempt to run over police personnel while evading interception.
The Additional District Judge (ADJ) Court at Athagarh in Kataka district delivered the judgment on October 3, 2026, finding all six accused guilty under Sections 303(2), 109 and 111(2)(3) of the BNS, read with relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The conviction is being viewed as a significant enforcement action against organised cattle trafficking in Odisha and also highlights the swift investigation and prosecution of a serious criminal case under the new criminal laws.
Six Convicts Sentenced to Life
The six convicted persons have been identified as Sahil Ali (26), Jamiruddin Khan (27), Sk. Sabir (46), Pravakar Nath (26), Govinda Dehury (35) and Omm Moharana (21).
The court sentenced each of them to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
The case relates to the alleged illegal transportation of cattle in cruel and inhuman conditions and the alleged attempt by the accused to use vehicles to evade police interception.
Cattle Trafficking Exposed During Police Check
The incident took place in the early hours of May 23, 2026, when personnel of Athagarh Police Station in Kataka district were conducting routine blocking duty at Birakishorepur Chhowk.
According to police sources, ASI Rohit Kumar Behera and other personnel received information regarding the suspected illegal transportation of cattle. A pickup van bearing registration number OR-02AG-6468, allegedly carrying cattle, was reportedly being escorted by a Hyundai Venue bearing registration number OD-10S-5349.
Justice delivered on Dt.03.10.2026 in Athagarh P.S. Case No.224Dt.23.05.26 U/s- 303(2)/109/111(2)(3) of prevention of cruelty to animal Act. 1996. The Hon’ble A.D.J, Athagarh Dist.-Kataka convicted six Accd.persons and sentenced them to life imprisonment with Rs.-5,00.000/- fine. pic.twitter.com/PlelQmfkvE
— SP KATAKA (@spcuttack) October 6, 2026
At around 4:30 am, both vehicles allegedly approached the police checkpoint at high speed. Police said the vehicles attempted to run over personnel deployed on duty before speeding away from the spot.
The police team immediately launched a pursuit and intercepted the vehicles at Darshanpur Chhowk on State Highway 65 in Kataka district.
While the driver of the pickup van managed to flee, six persons travelling in the escort vehicle were apprehended by the police.
Six Cattle Rescued from Pickup Van
During the operation, police rescued six cattle, including five cows and one bullock, from the pickup van.
The animals were being transported in tightly bound and severely cruel conditions. Police said the accused, during interrogation, disclosed that the cattle were being transported for slaughter for financial gain.
Following the rescue, the cattle were handed over on zima to Nandagaon Brudha Gouseva Ashram at Mangarajpur in Choudwar, Kataka district.
The operation subsequently led to the registration of Athagarh Police Station Case No. 224 dated May 23, 2026.
Investigation Completed in 87 Days
The case witnessed a swift investigation and trial process.
Under the leadership of Investigating Officer SI Dillip Kumar Behera, the police completed the investigation and submitted the chargesheet on August 18, 2026, within 87 days of registration of the FIR.
The court framed charges on September 16, 2026, just 29 days after submission of the chargesheet. The final judgment was delivered on October 3, 2026, only 17 days after charges were framed.
Case Timeline
• Date of offence: May 23, 2026
• FIR registered: May 23, 2026
• Chargesheet submitted: August 18, 2026 — 87 days after FIR
• Charges framed: September 16, 2026 — 29 days after chargesheet
• Judgment delivered: October 3, 2026 — 17 days after framing of charges
Kataka police hail speedy justice
Commenting on the verdict, Kataka Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal, IPS, under whose jurisdiction the case was investigated, said the conviction reflects the police administration’s commitment to securing speedy justice and taking firm action against organised criminal activities.
The verdict is significant not only because of the severity of the sentence but also because of the speed with which the case progressed from registration of the FIR to final judgment.
The case demonstrates coordinated efforts by the investigating team and prosecution in presenting the evidence before the court within a short period.
Strong message against organised cattle trafficking
The life sentences are expected to send a strong message against organised cattle trafficking and cruelty towards animals in Odisha’s Kataka district. The case also highlights the seriousness with which attempts to obstruct or endanger police personnel during law-enforcement operations are being dealt with.
With the BNS now governing criminal offences across the country, the conviction in the Athagarh case also assumes significance as an example of the implementation of the new criminal legislation at the district level.
