Bajrang Dal activists from Khordha intercepted three pickup vans allegedly transporting cows illegally towards Cuttack.
The chase ended on the Jatamundia Subarnapur Bridge in Banki, where one van overturned, scattering distressed cattle across the road.
The activists pursued the speeding vehicles for several kilometres before forcing them to stop. In the chaos, cows jumped out of the overturned van, some sustaining injuries while roaming around the bridge. The driver fled, abandoning the vans and leaving the animals behind.
Police arrived promptly after receiving information and seized all three vehicles along with approximately 30 cows. Officers initiated a detailed investigation to uncover the network behind the illegal transportation racket. Authorities confirmed that the rescued cattle were secured and arrangements made for their care.
Bajrang Dal activists, who chased and handed over the vans to the police, alleged that illegal cow smuggling has increased significantly in the region. They criticised the administration for failing to act despite repeated incidents, claiming that negligence encourages such unlawful activities.
