Odisha police launched a major crackdown on an organised cattle smuggling racket, conducting raids at 46 locations across five districts and arresting nine accused. During the raids, they seized cash worth Rs 1.52 crore, gold, silver, and vehicles among other valuables. Authorities have traced properties worth around Rs 50 crore linked to the illegal trafficking.
On Saturday, Odisha police conducted raids at 46 locations across five districts to dismantle an organised cattle smuggling network, arresting nine accused. The operation led to the seizure of cash worth Rs 1.52 crore, gold weighing 1 kg 131 grams, silver weighing 3 kg 80 grams, 23 four-wheelers, 23 two-wheelers, 13 mobile phones, and 21 wristwatches.
A complaint was registered at Daitari police station in Keonjhar district under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act. Keonjhar SP Nitin Kusalkar stated, “The cattle smugglers had attacked a police party a year ago. We subsequently decided to detect the racket engaged in smuggling and take action against them. Based on inputs gathered over the past several months and with court approval, the raids were conducted.”
According to the police, properties worth around Rs 50 crore—including houses, bank deposits, land, and other assets—have been traced to proceeds of the illegal cattle trafficking. The SP added, “Their properties will be confiscated as per provisions under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).”
The raids will continue in the coming days to trace financial support to the smugglers and detect inter-state connections. Odisha’s fisheries and animal resources minister Gokulananda Mallick affirmed, “We will take strict action against those involved in cattle smuggling.”
This crackdown comes amid reports of multiple attacks on cattle traders by cow vigilantes in different parts of the state.