Sambalpur: 8 Arrested in Illegal Cattle Smuggling Case in Sambalpur; Sadar Police Rescued 22 Cattle, Seized Truck and 2 Cars
Illegal Cattle Smuggling Route Uncovered
Sambalpur: Sambalpur police have intercepted an illegal cattle smuggling operation near Jayantpur Chowk. During the raid, police rescued 22 cattle, including one cow and 21 bulls. The traffickers were transporting them illegally towards West Bengal.
Arrests and Seized Items
Police arrested eight individuals involved in the smuggling operation, including two locals from Sambalpur; Naresh Guru (32) from Mudipada and Bablu Behera (32) from Dhanupali. Additionally, they apprehended six others from different locations: SK Rijabul (26), SK Ansar (25), SK Salim (19), and Sapun Kule (19) from West Bengal, along with Jitendra Sahu (36) from Bargarh and K. Shiva Rao (28). Authorities also seized a truck, two cars, and eight mobile phones used in the illegal operation.
Suspicious Vehicle Movement Led to Police Action
Sambalpur SP Mukesh Bhamu stated that smugglers were using National Highways as a “safe route” for cattle trafficking. On the night of the 19th, during a routine night patrol, Sadar police spotted a suspicious convoy consisting of a truck from West Bengal accompanied by two Odisha-registered cars: a Mahindra Quanto (OD-15A-2221) and a Maruti Suzuki Alto (OD-15C-8477). Suspecting illegal activity, the police stopped the vehicles for inspection. Upon checking, they found 22 cattle crammed inside the truck. The traffickers failed to provide valid documents, confirming their involvement in illegal cattle smuggling.
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Smugglers Confessed to the Crime
During interrogation, the arrested individuals admitted to smuggling cattle from Odisha to West Bengal. Their usual practice involved buying cattle illegally from Bargarh and transporting them through Sambalpur. The investigation also revealed that some local individuals were providing security and assistance to the smugglers.
Cattle Sent to Shelter, Investigation Ongoing
Following the rescue, police transferred the cattle to a local shelter for safety. Authorities are now probing further into the smuggling network. Just a few days ago, police had rescued 26 more cattle from Bareipali under similar circumstances.
Police Continue Crackdown on Cattle Smuggling in Odisha
With repeated cases of illegal cattle trafficking surfacing, Odisha police have intensified their crackdown. Authorities urge people to report suspicious activities and assist in preventing such illegal operations.
