Cattle smuggling racket: Keonjhar Police to examine 50 bank accounts, open 20 lockers

Keonjhar police have arrested 10 alleged cattle smugglers following a series of raids, inspections, and searches conducted across Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Keonjhar districts. Police said the accused were involved in the illegal transportation and smuggling of cattle over a prolonged period. All the arrested persons were produced before a court on Monday.

Police identified Sheikh Tajuddin, alias Rajan, a resident of Bhadrak, as the prime accused in the case. His arrest led to coordinated operations across multiple districts, resulting in the detention of other members of the alleged smuggling network.

Bank Accounts and Lockers Under Scanner

As part of the financial investigation, police will scrutinise around 50 bank accounts and open more than 20 lockers linked to the arrested accused. Officials said the exercise aims to trace financial transactions and assess assets allegedly acquired through the illegal cattle trade.

Two days earlier, Keonjhar police conducted large-scale raids at several locations across five districts. During the operation, houses, bank deposits, land holdings, and other properties linked to the accused were seized.

Cash, Gold, Vehicles Seized

Police said the seizures included cash amounting to over 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. Officials added that the recovered wristwatches are believed to be high-value items, and the companies concerned have been contacted to determine their actual market prices.

Background and Wider Network Probe

According to police, in 2025, Daitari police attempted to intercept a cattle smuggling operation during which the smugglers allegedly ran their vehicle over police personnel, injuring two officials. Following the incident, surveillance was intensified, and after nearly eight months, simultaneous raids were conducted at five locations, eventually uncovering links to 46 other sites.

Police officials said the investigation is focused not only on arrests but also on dismantling the financial backbone of the smuggling network. Investigators revealed that Sheikh Tajuddin allegedly holds more than 10 lockers, all of which will be examined along with his bank accounts.

Assets Worth Crores Likely to Be Attached

Police sources said assets worth over Rs 50 lakh have already been identified, and further investigation may reveal properties valued at several crores, which will be attached and seized as per law. Sources also indicated possible links of the accused to Bangladesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, though no official confirmation has been made so far.

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

Police said the investigation is ongoing and warned that anyone found associated with the racket will face strict legal action.