Odisha Police have busted a major cattle smuggling racket, intercepting illegal transportation of cattle from Mayurbhanj to West Bengal on National Highway 49 near Jharpokharia on Saturday. The operation led to the arrest of seven alleged members of the smuggling network and the recovery of over 200 cattle.

Multi-District CrackdownThe crackdown is part of a larger multi-district operation aimed at dismantling organised cattle smuggling networks operating across northern Odisha.

Raids in MayurbhanjPolice raided the residence of Surjit Mohanty in Baripada, seizing Rs 3.5 lakh in cash, gold, and silver ornaments. In Tentoposi, Rairangpur, seven houses linked to smugglers were searched, resulting in the seizure of four pickup trucks, nine motorcycles, and the detention of six individuals for questioning. Authorities said Mayurbhanj was being used as a key transit point for smuggling cattle to neighbouring states due to its proximity to Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Cattle Recovery at JharpokhariaDuring the operation, nearly 300 cattle were recovered at Jharpokharia. Smugglers had attempted to move the animals on foot along the highways before being intercepted. The recovered cattle are set to be counted, their health assessed, and later moved to shelters.

Joint Raid in JajpurIn a separate joint operation by Keonjhar and Jajpur police, the residence of Shaik Sharif under Sadar police station limits in Jajpur was raided. Officials seized over Rs 1 lakh in cash, documents for 17 land parcels, 13 mobile phones, a Thar SUV, a Creta, a Dzire, and two Bullet motorcycles. Meat recovered from the house was sent for lab testing to confirm whether it was cattle meat. Shaik Sharif and his family members are alleged to have been involved in cattle smuggling for several years, including stealing cattle from roadsides and transporting them illegally. Two properties linked to the family were also seized.

Investigation OngoingSeveral suspects managed to flee during the raids, and police continue to track all individuals linked to the smuggling network. Authorities said further arrests and seizures are expected as the crackdown continues.