In a major crackdown on illegal cattle smuggling, Keonjhar police have intensified operations across more than five districts in Odisha after tracking a suspected syndicate for over a year.
Acting on intelligence gathered through NATGRID, a Central government–provided platform, police identified links to 46 locations and carried out coordinated raids at five sites on Saturday. The operation follows sustained surveillance and enforcement that exposed a wider network operating across northern Odisha.
NATGRID Surveillance Leads to BreakthroughAccording to the Keonjhar Superintendent of Police, investigators used NATGRID to monitor the syndicate’s activities for over a year, tracking movement patterns and financial transactions. Based on this data, targeted raids were launched to dismantle the network.
Raids Reveal Assets and Network SpreadA raid at the Bhadrak residence of Sheikh Tajuddin uncovered key operational details, revealing that the network extended beyond Keonjhar to Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Mayurbhanj districts. Police seized Rs 1.4 crore in cash, along with 1 kg of gold, 3 kg of silver, and other valuables linked to the syndicate.
Legal Action and Property AttachmentThe Keonjhar SP stated that all individuals associated with the cattle smuggling mafia will face property attachment proceedings. Assets recovered during raids, along with properties owned by the syndicate members, will be attached under BNS 107 and presented to the court as part of the legal process.
Syndicate Financed Across DistrictsCattle smuggling operations were especially active in Telkoi and across Keonjhar district. While previous enforcement efforts had intercepted vehicles and made arrests, the key masterminds had remained at large. Further investigation revealed that the syndicate was financed by individuals across five districts, prompting intensified surveillance and the current multi-district crackdown.
