Police in Delanga arrested five cowherds following allegations of cattle smuggling, sparking controversy among locals who accused authorities of acting hastily.
The arrested men were identified as Tapan Behera of Nirmala, Bikash Behera of Podang, Krushnachandra Behera of Budhapada Jatani, Bijay Kumar Behera of Gaudhunka Pipili, and Shashikant Behera of Batagaon under Puri Sadar.
According to reports, the cowherds were moving with over a hundred cattle near Gadamanitri late Tuesday night when members of Hindu Jagaran Manch intercepted them. The group allegedly attacked the cowherds and seized their vehicles and mobile phones. Kailash Behera, one of the cowherds, lodged a complaint at the Delanga Police Station, leading to the registration of case number 134/26.
Meanwhile, Hindu Jagaran Manch filed a separate complaint, registered as case number 133/26. Despite both FIRs, the police arrested only the cowherds and produced them in court, while no action was taken against the attackers.
Local leaders, including Zilla Parishad member Dharanidhar Sahu, criticised police for failing to conduct a proper investigation. He alleged that the cowherds, who traditionally take their cattle to Parang hills for grazing during the monsoon, were wrongly branded as smugglers. Community members expressed anger, saying police ignored evidence of assault and instead targeted the victims.
