The Aryavarth Express
Balasore (Odisha):
Odisha Police have stepped up their efforts to curb illegal cattle transportation and smuggling across the eastern region of the state, registering more than 100 cases over the past four to five months and rescuing over 1,000 cattle.
Speaking to the media in Balasore on Tuesday, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Eastern Range, Pinak Mishra said coordinated and sustained action has been undertaken across all three districts under the Eastern Range to tackle the issue. He noted that the region’s proximity to state borders and the presence of porous stretches make it vulnerable to illegal cattle movement.
“All three districts in the Eastern Range have acted firmly against illegal cattle transportation and smuggling. Clear instructions were issued to superintendents of police to strengthen enforcement, particularly in sensitive border areas,” Mishra said.
He added that strict action taken over the last several months has resulted in the registration of over 100 cases and the rescue of more than a thousand cattle, with further follow-up and legal action underway. Police officials said continuous monitoring is being maintained in Balasore and adjoining districts to prevent the recurrence of such activities.
Meanwhile, Odisha Fisheries and Livestock Minister Gokula Nanda Mallik said on Sunday that raids were conducted in five districts following inputs about an organised cattle smuggling network operating in the state. The operations led to multiple arrests and the seizure of property and cash.
“More than Rs 50 crore worth of property and cash have been seized,” the minister told, warning that those involved in cattle smuggling would face stringent consequences. “People associated with this racket will not be spared. Strict action will be taken, and anyone involved should immediately stop such activities or face severe repercussions,” he said.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment to cow protection, Mallik said the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, is implementing effective measures in this regard. He highlighted the Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana, under which around 80,000 farmers have benefited and nearly 12,000 to 15,000 high-yielding cows have been distributed, creating income and employment opportunities while ensuring the safety of cattle.
