In a major crackdown on illegal animal trafficking, local vigilantes along with the Town Police intercepted two pickup vans loaded with cattle on National Highway 49 in Kendujhar on Sunday, rescuing more than 20 animals.
According to available information, the operation took place on Sunday morning near Judia Ghati and Ochigaon (Anjar area), falling under the jurisdiction of the Kendujhar Town Police Station on NH-49. Members of a local cattle protection outfit spotted the two suspicious pickup vans transporting cattle in extremely crowded and unsafe conditions and intercepted them.
Upon receiving information about the interception, a team from the Town Police promptly reached the scene and took custody of both vehicles. Upon searching the pickup vans, police rescued more than 20 cattle that were packed tightly inside without proper ventilation or space.
Taking advantage of the situation during the interception, the drivers of both vehicles managed to flee the spot. Local authorities have launched a manhunt to trace and arrest the absconding drivers and identify the owners of the vehicles.
A local veterinary doctor was immediately called to the spot to treat several cattle that sustained injuries during the cramped transit. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the cattle were being illegally transported from the Khamar region in Angul district toward Tentposhi in Mayurbhanj district.
Local outfits and residents have repeatedly raised concerns regarding frequent illegal cattle smuggling along National Highway 49, alleging that cattle mafias regularly use this route to transport animals unsafely across district and state borders. Town Police have registered a case and initiated a full-scale investigation into the racket.
