Odisha Police Conducts Major Raids Against Cattle Smuggling Operations

In a significant operation, the Odisha police targeted cattle smuggling across several districts, conducting raids at 46 locations. The crackdown resulted in the arrest of ten suspects and the seizure of assets worth crores, including cash, gold, and vehicles. This extensive effort highlights the police's commitment to combating illegal activities in the region. Read on to discover the details of the operation and the implications of these arrests.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 18, 2026, 08:29 IST

Extensive Raids Across Multiple Districts

The Odisha police executed a series of raids at 46 locations across the districts of Bhadrak, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Khurda, targeting alleged cattle smuggling activities. This operation was confirmed by a senior official on Saturday.

According to the official, the crackdown on illegal cattle traffickers commenced early in the morning and involved a significant force, including two additional superintendents of police, five deputy superintendents, 25 inspectors, 36 sub-inspectors, and 18 platoons of police personnel.

By the end of the day, the police teams had seized assets worth approximately ₹1.52 crore in cash, along with 1.131 kilograms of gold, 3.80 kilograms of silver, 23 four-wheelers, 23 two-wheelers, 13 mobile phones, and 21 watches.

Keonjhar's Superintendent of Police, Nitin Kusalkar, reported that ten cattle smugglers were apprehended, with assets valued at around ₹50 crore recovered, including houses, bank deposits, land, and other properties. These assets were allegedly acquired through proceeds from illegal cattle trafficking.

He further stated that these properties would be confiscated under Section 107 of the Indian National Security Act (BNSAA). The arrested individuals have been identified as SK Rajan alias Tajuddin from Bhadrak, Tipu Sultan, Kunu Sahu, Arjun Sahu, SK Akbar, Nasir, and Sipu Sahu from Keonjhar, along with Mrityunjay Mahapatra, Sujit Mohanty, and K. Naim from Mayurbhanj.

In Bhadrak town, a large police team led by a deputy superintendent, comprising three inspectors, six sub-inspectors, and two platoons, raided the residence of a suspected cattle smuggler, recovering over ₹70 lakh in cash, gold jewelry, two SUVs, and other valuable items.