Year-long NATGRID tracking leads to major cattle smuggling crackdown in Odisha

In a major action against illegal cattle smuggling, Keonjhar police officials have intensified their crackdown across more than five districts in Odisha after tracking a suspected smuggling syndicate for over a year.

Acting on intelligence inputs generated through NATGRID, a Central government–provided application, police identified links to 46 locations and carried out coordinated raids at five locations on Saturday.

The operation follows sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement action that led to major seizures and the exposure of a wider network operating across northern Odisha.

NATGRID Surveillance Leads to Breakthrough

According to the Superintendent of Police, Keonjhar, investigators used the NATGRID platform to monitor the activities of the cattle smuggling network. Surveillance continued for more than a year, during which police tracked the movement patterns and financial links of those involved in the syndicate.

Based on the data collected, police launched targeted raids to dismantle the network.

Raids Reveal Assets and Network Spread

The crackdown gained momentum after police conducted a raid at the Bhadrak residence of Sheikh Tajuddin, which led to the discovery of key operational details of the syndicate. Subsequent investigations revealed that the network had expanded beyond Keonjhar to Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Mayurbhanj districts.

During the raids, police seized Rs 1.4 crore in cash, along with 1 kg of gold, 3 kg of silver, and other valuables from individuals linked to the syndicate.

Properties to Be Attached Under Legal Provisions

The Keonjhar SP said all persons found to be associated with the cattle smuggling mafia will face property attachment proceedings. Assets recovered during the raids, as well as properties owned by those linked to the syndicate, will be attached under BNS 107 and placed before the court as part of the legal process.

Syndicate Financed Across Districts

Police said cattle smuggling operations were particularly active in Telkoi and across Keonjhar district. Although enforcement teams had earlier intercepted several vehicles involved in smuggling and made arrests, the key masterminds remained elusive.

Further investigation revealed that the syndicate was being financed by individuals operating across around five districts, who remained behind the scenes. This prompted police to intensify surveillance, leading to the present multi-district crackdown.

The investigation is ongoing, and police said further action is likely as they continue efforts to dismantle the network.