Demonstrating a swift push for judicial accountability, the Court of Additional District Judge (ADJ), Athagada, delivered a landmark judgment sentencing six individuals to life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹5,00,000 each in connection with an organized illegal cattle transport and attempted vehicular assault case.
The case, registered under Athagada P.S. Case No. 224 on May 23, 2026, was prosecuted under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) alongside provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, marking one of the earliest major convictions under the new criminal codes in the district.
Convicted Individuals
The six convicted accused have been identified as:
- Sahil Ali (26)
- Jamiruddin Khan (27)
- Sk. Sabir (46)
- Pravakar Nath (26)
- Govinda Dehury (35)
- Omm Moharana (21)
High-Speed Chase and Interception
According to police sources, on the morning of May 23, 2026, ASI Rohit Kumar Behera and staff from Athagada Police Station were conducting routine blocking duty at Birakishorepur Chhowk when they received intelligence regarding cattle smuggling. A Pickup Van (OR-02AG-6468) carrying cattle was being escorted by a Hyundai Venue (OD-10S-5349).
At around 4:30 AM, both high-speed vehicles approached the checkpoint and allegedly attempted to run over the police personnel on duty before speeding off. Police forces immediately gave chase and successfully intercepted the vehicles at Darshanpur Chhowk on State Highway 65. Although the driver of the Pickup Van managed to flee the spot, six occupants inside the escort vehicle were apprehended.
Six cattle—five cows and one bullock—were rescued from the Pickup Van in severe, cruelly bound conditions. During interrogation, the accused disclosed that the animals were being trafficked for slaughter for financial gain. The seized cattle were subsequently handed over on zima to the Nandagaon Brudha Gouseva Ashram in Mangarajpur, Choudwar.
Fast-Track Investigation and Trial Timeline
Under the leadership of Investigating Officer (IO) Dillip Kumar Behera, SI of Police, and prosecution representation by Additional Public Prosecutor In-Charge Shri Bikram Keshari Dash, the investigation and court process were completed in record time:
- FIR Date: May 23, 2026
- Chargesheet Submitted: August 18, 2026
- Charges Framed: September 16, 2026
- Final Judgment: October 03, 2026
The court found all six accused guilty under Sections 303(2), 109, and 111(2)(3) of BNS, read with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Commenting on the verdict, Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal, IPS, emphasized Kataka Police’s unwavering commitment to securing speedy justice and strictly curbing organized crimes across the police district.
