Cattle smuggling racket busted in Odisha, over 300 cattle rescued; 11 arrested

The crackdown on an alleged cattle smuggling network operating in northern Odisha has intensified, with police recovering more than 300 cattle and arresting 11 persons during an attempted smuggling operation from Mayurbhanj to West Bengal on Saturday.The latest action is part of a broader operation that initially began in Keonjhar and has since expanded to cover more than five districts.

Smugglers Caught While Moving Cattle on Foot

According to police, the 11 accused were apprehended while allegedly smuggling cattle on foot along National Highway 49 in the Baripada area. The animals were being moved towards West Bengal when local residents at Bangiriposi intercepted the group and alerted the police. The suspects, who reportedly hail from Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Keonjhar districts, were taken into custody and are scheduled to be produced before a court on Monday.

Police sources said the arrested individuals were directly involved in the daily transportation of cattle. Their arrest came as raids were simultaneously conducted at locations linked to those suspected to be the masterminds behind the smuggling network.

Raids in Baripada and Rairangpur

As part of the ongoing operation, police raided the residence of Surjit Mohanty in Baripada, identified as a key conspirator in the racket. During the raid, cash amounting to nearly Rs 33 lakh, along with gold and silver ornaments, was seized.

In a separate operation at Tentoposi in Rairangpur, police carried out raids at nearly seven houses allegedly linked to cattle smuggling activities. Four pickup trucks and nine motorcycles were seized, while six persons were detained for questioning.

Economic Offence Angle Under Probe

The Baripada Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) said raids and seizures would be further intensified in the coming days. He added that individuals found to be associated with the racket would be booked under economic offence provisions. Investigators are examining the accused's income sources and asset accumulation to determine how they acquired substantial wealth.

Masterminds Identified, More Arrests Expected

Police said the smugglers were using the guise of trading in iron rods, cement, and other construction materials to conceal their illegal activities. While the 11 arrested persons were primarily involved in transporting cattle, investigators have traced the masterminds behind the network. Police officials said more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.