Odisha Police Launch Massive Multi-District Crackdown on Cattle Smuggling Syndicate
KEONJHAR, ODISHA – In one of the largest coordinated law enforcement operations against organized crime in recent years, the Keonjhar Police have launched a massive crackdown on a widespread cattle smuggling network. The operation, spanning five districts, has resulted in the seizure of significant liquid assets and luxury property belonging to alleged smuggling kingpins.
The raids were conducted across 46 locations in the districts of Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Cuttack. The scale of the operation required a massive force, including two Additional SPs, five DSPs, 25 Inspectors, and 18 platoons of police personnel.
Major Seizures and Arrests
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Nitin Kushalkar, the raids focused on dismantling the financial infrastructure of the smuggling mafia. During the operation, police detained nine individuals and recovered a substantial cache of valuables, including:
Rs 1.40 crore in hard cash (with money-counting machines reportedly used during the Bhadrak raid).
1 kg of gold and 3 kg of silver ornaments.
24 vehicles, including 11 four-wheelers and 13 two-wheelers.
Numerous land documents and bank accounts linked to the suspects.
A primary target of the raids was the residence of an alleged mafia leader, Sheikh Tajuddin (alias Rajan), in Bhadrak. Authorities uncovered over Rs 70 lakh in cash at his property alone, along with documents indicating ownership of a shopping mall.
The Keonjhar Police are utilizing advanced technology and new legal frameworks to ensure the syndicate is permanently dismantled. Investigators used the government’s NATGRID platform to track the movement of illicit funds and identify property acquired through illegal trade.
For the first time in such a case, the police are moving to freeze and confiscate these assets under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This section allows the state to seize property suspected to be the proceeds of organized crime.
The operation stems from an incident a year ago when cattle smugglers reportedly attacked police vehicles and attempted to run over officers while fleeing. Following that confrontation, the police registered over 20 cases and began a long-term intelligence-gathering mission to identify the masterminds behind the trade.
“We are committed to ensuring that organized crime does not thrive in Keonjhar and neighboring districts,” said SP Kushalkar. The police have indicated that further raids are likely as they continue to scrutinize bank records and land deeds associated with the network.
