In a significant operation against organized crime, Odisha Police launched a major crackdown on a cattle smuggling racket this Saturday. The police conducted simultaneous raids at 46 different locations spread across five districts of the state.
Massive Seizures and Arrests
During these coordinated raids, authorities arrested nine accused individuals directly involved in the illegal smuggling network. The police teams seized substantial amounts of valuables and assets believed to be proceeds from the criminal activities.
The seized items include:
- Cash totaling Rs 1.52 crore
- Gold weighing 1 kilogram and 131 grams
- Silver weighing 3 kilograms and 80 grams
- 23 four-wheeled vehicles
- 23 two-wheelers
- 13 mobile phones
- 21 wristwatches
Properties Worth Crores Identified
Keonjhar Police, who led the operation, revealed they have identified properties linked to the smuggling proceeds with an estimated value of approximately Rs 50 crore. These properties include houses, bank deposits, land parcels, and various other assets accumulated through illegal cattle trafficking.
Keonjhar Superintendent of Police Nitin Kusalkar stated, "The cattle smugglers had attacked a police party about a year ago. Following that incident, we decided to thoroughly investigate and dismantle this smuggling network. Based on intelligence gathered over several months and with proper court approval, we executed these raids."
Legal Action and Continuing Investigation
Police registered a formal complaint at Daitari police station in Keonjhar district under multiple legal provisions. The case includes sections from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act.
SP Kusalkar confirmed that authorities will confiscate the identified properties using provisions under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This legal action aims to strip criminals of their ill-gotten wealth.
Police officials emphasized that their investigation will continue in the coming days. Their focus will expand to trace financial support networks for the smugglers and uncover any inter-state connections that might exist within this organized crime syndicate.
Political Response and Context
This crackdown occurs against a backdrop of reported attacks on cattle traders by vigilante groups in various parts of Odisha. The state government has responded firmly to these developments.
Odisha's Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Gokulananda Mallick declared the government's commitment to cow protection. "We will take strict action against anyone involved in cattle smuggling," he asserted, reinforcing the administration's stance against such illegal activities.
The police operation represents one of the most substantial actions against cattle smuggling in recent Odisha history. It demonstrates coordinated efforts across multiple districts to combat organized crime that exploits animals for illegal profit.
