Cattle smuggling sees uptick, mafia armed and organised

Additional SP Suryomani Pradhan said police recently seized a number the cattle smuggling vehicles and arrested culprits. “We are aware of cattle smuggling in the district and going to launch massive crackdown on them. They are organised and armed and even attack the police party. Still, we will take stern action,” he added.

Meanwhile, Soro police, on Sunday, arrested three persons for their alleged involvement in cattle smuggling. The trio, identified as SK Sarukh (24), Yasin Mallik (22), and SK Nasiruddin (40) from Belpur village, were apprehended by locals and later handed over to the police.

Locals had reported that around 20 cattle had gone missing from Saudu village, raising concerns among the owners. On Sunday night, the three suspects were seen in a dumper truck parked by the roadside. Upon questioning, they failed to provide satisfactory answers, forcing locals to detain them and seek police action. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to smuggling cattle and supplying them outside Balasore. Police registered a case and produced them before a court.

Local residents said rampant cattle smuggling is going on in Soro, Basta, Rupsha, Nilagiri, and Khantapada and allege collusion of police in the illegal activities.

MAFIA MENACE

Attack on police on rise

Using armed guards to escort vehicles

Stray cattle from open areas not spare

Small transport vehicles used now

NHs 55, 53 and 149 major smuggling routes