Cattle Smuggling Racket Busted: Keonjhar Police to Scrutinize 50 Bank Accounts, Open 20 Lockers

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Cattle Smuggling Racket Busted: Keonjhar Police to Scrutinize 50 Bank Accounts, Open 20 Lockers

Keonjhar police have arrested 10 suspected cattle smugglers after carrying out raids, inspections, and searches across Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Keonjhar districts.

Published by Abhishek Swain | January 19, 2026

Cattle Smuggling Racket Busted: Keonjhar Police Arrest 10, Scrutinise Bank Accounts and Lockers

Keonjhar police have arrested 10 alleged cattle smugglers following a series of coordinated 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 long period. All the arrested individuals were produced before a court on Monday.

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

Bank Accounts and Lockers Under ScannerAs part of the financial probe, police will examine nearly 50 bank accounts and open over 20 lockers connected to the accused. Officials said the move is aimed at tracing money trails and assessing assets allegedly acquired through the illegal cattle trade.

Two days earlier, Keonjhar police carried out large-scale raids at several locations in five districts, seizing houses, bank deposits, land holdings, and other properties linked to the accused.

Cash, Gold, Vehicles SeizedPolice seized cash exceeding Rs 1.52 crore, gold weighing 1.131 kg, silver weighing 3.08 kg, 23 four-wheelers, 23 two-wheelers, 13 mobile phones, and 21 wristwatches. Officials said the wristwatches are suspected to be high-value items, and companies concerned have been contacted to verify their market worth.

Background and Wider Network ProbePolice said the investigation intensified after a 2025 incident in which smugglers allegedly rammed a vehicle into police personnel during an interception attempt, injuring two officers. After months of surveillance, simultaneous raids were conducted at five locations, uncovering links to at least 46 other sites.

Investigators revealed that Sheikh Tajuddin allegedly holds more than 10 lockers, all of which will be examined as part of efforts to dismantle the financial backbone of the racket.

Assets Worth Crores Likely to Be AttachedPolice sources said assets worth over Rs 50 lakh have already been identified, and further investigation may reveal properties worth several crores, which will be attached as per law. Possible links to Bangladesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand are also being probed, though no official confirmation has been issued.

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