Odisha Police crackdown on cattle smugglers; identify properties worth Rs 50 crore

“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,” said Keonjhar SP Nitin Kusalkar.

According to Keonjhar Police, which led the operation, properties — including houses, bank deposits, land and other assets worth around Rs 50 crore — have been traced to proceeds of illegal cattle trafficking.

“Their properties will be confiscated as per provisions under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS),” the SP said.

Police said the raids would continue in the coming days to trace financial support to the smugglers and detect inter-state connections.

The crackdown comes amid reports of multiple attacks on cattle traders by cow vigilantes from different parts of the state.

Odisha’s fisheries and animal resources minister Gokulananda Mallick said the state government was committed to cow protection. “We will take strict action against those involved in cattle smuggling,” he said.