Bhubaneswar: A shocking case of cattle smuggling came to light in Odisha after blood was seen dripping from a truck parked suspiciously along the Shalabhanga forest road near Buguda under Daspalla police limits. Alert local residents, noticing the unusual sight and a foul smell emanating from the vehicle, immediately informed the police, leading to the gruesome discovery of 30 dead cows packed inside the truck.
According to police, the incident occurred on a stretch of the Khordha–Balangir National Highway-57. The Tata Eicher truck, allegedly used for illegal cattle transport, had reportedly developed a mechanical issue while crossing the forested area. Sensing the risk of being caught, the driver and other suspected smugglers abandoned the vehicle and fled. The truck remained unnoticed for nearly three days before villagers detected blood leaking from it and alerted the authorities.
Daspalla police, accompanied by officials from the Banigochha outpost, reached the spot soon after receiving the tip-off. Upon opening the tarpaulin-covered truck, officers found the carcasses of 30 cows. Only one calf was discovered alive inside the tightly enclosed space.
Veterinary doctor Sidhant Shekhar Sahu, who examined the animals, confirmed that the cows had died due to suffocation inside the sealed, poorly ventilated vehicle.
“I received information that a cow was stuck inside the truck. When we opened it, almost all of them were dead except one. The surviving cow has been treated. The carcasses have been buried as per protocol,” Dr. Sahu said, adding that the animals had no access to air, leading to their deaths.
Police officials conducted a detailed inspection and seized the truck. Post-mortem examinations of the dead cattle were performed with the assistance of veterinary staff, and the bodies were later buried. Investigating officer Arun Kumar Jena said a probe is underway to identify the source of the cattle and the intended destination.
“An investigation is being carried out to trace the network behind the illegal transport and to identify those responsible,” he said.
However, the delayed discovery of the abandoned truck has raised concerns. Residents questioned how the vehicle remained undetected for three days despite regular police patrolling between Daspalla and Banigochha, a distance of only 30 km.
Local cow-protection activists expressed strong resentment, accusing authorities of negligence in curbing illegal cattle smuggling. They claimed that despite repeated appeals, the administration has failed to take strict action, resulting in recurring incidents.
“The administration is neither enforcing existing laws properly nor adopting effective measures to dismantle the smuggling network,” activists alleged.
Police have launched a comprehensive investigation and efforts are underway to locate the absconding driver and other individuals involved in the smuggling racket.
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