Odisha Police crack down on illegal cattle trade; Rs 4.40 crore seized from 121 bank accounts

Bhubaneswar (By Abhishek Mohanty): In a major blow to illegal cattle trading in Odisha, Keonjhar police have unearthed a vast financial network linked to an organised cow smuggling racket operating across multiple districts.

The operation has led to the seizure of Rs 4.40 crore from bank accounts connected to the alleged cattle mafia, exposing the scale and sophistication of the operation.

Police officials revealed that nearly 200 bank accounts suspected to be linked to the illegal network have been identified across five districts of the state. So far, 121 accounts have been scrutinised, resulting in the freezing and seizure of Rs 4.40 crore. 

The remaining 79 accounts are yet to be examined, and authorities believe the total amount involved could rise significantly.
Investigators also discovered that the accused had access to more than 50 bank lockers, pointing to extensive financial dealings. These lockers, along with other movable and immovable assets, are currently under detailed audit as part of the ongoing investigation.

The coordinated crackdown involved 47 police teams carrying out simultaneous raids in Keonjhar, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, and Khordha districts. Officials said the operation aimed to dismantle the organised cattle smuggling network and trace the money trail generated through illegal activities.
Keonjhar police confirmed that the probe is continuing and that all identified accounts and assets will be examined thoroughly. 

Authorities have assured stringent legal action against everyone involved, reiterating their commitment to curb illegal cattle trade in the state.