In a multi-district crackdown on organised cattle smuggling, Odisha’s Keonjhar police on Saturday (January 17, 2026) seized ₹1.40 crore in cash along with a large quantity of gold ornaments during simultaneous raids at nine locations.
The coordinated operation was launched to dismantle organised cattle smuggling networks operating across districts, following a complaint registered at Daitari police station under Section 7 of the Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act.
“Our objective was to identify and break the organised cattle trade operating in different parts of the State,” said Keonjhar Superintendent of Police Kusalkar Nitin Dagudu. “Raids were conducted at 46 identified locations linked to illegal cattle transportation and smuggling networks in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts.”
Mr. Dagudu said 65 police teams were constituted and deployed simultaneously across the four districts. “The teams targeted suspected hideouts, transit routes, vehicle parking points and premises of individuals believed to be involved in cattle smuggling,” he said.
The operation, led by five Deputy Superintendents of Police, involved around 18 police platoons. The teams carried out searches, verified documents, examined vehicles and questioned suspects linked to the illegal movement and trade of cattle.
“The focus of the operation was to disrupt the organised network, identify key operatives and gather evidence against those involved. The operation was conducted peacefully and in a disciplined manner with adequate security arrangements,” the SP said.
According to the Keonjhar police, further investigation is underway to trace backward and forward linkages of the smuggling network, including financiers and possible interstate connections. “Strict legal action will be initiated against all those found involved, in accordance with law. Similar enforcement drives will continue in the coming days,” Mr. Dagudu said, appealing to the public to share credible information on illegal cattle smuggling.
Police sources said the highest single cash seizure of ₹60 lakh was made from Sheikh Rajan alias Tazuddin in Bhadrak district.
Meanwhile, an internal Home Department report notes that more than 220 incidents related to cow transportation and slaughter have been reported across Odisha over the past four years. The issue has drawn renewed attention following the lynching of a Muslim man, allegedly by cow vigilantes, in Balasore district earlier this week.
