Nuapada Police on Saturday busted an illegal and inhumane cattle trafficking operation, rescuing 41 bullocks that were cramped inside a truck in dire conditions. While 33 bullocks were rescued alive, eight others succumbed during transit due to severe overcrowding and suffocation.
According to police sources, a team from Nuapada Police Station was conducting routine vehicle checking at Tanwat Chhak when they signalled a TATA-1616 truck (bearing registration number CG-04-PK-0630) approaching from the Khadial side to stop. Upon spotting the police personnel, the driver abandoned the vehicle on the spot and fled into the nearby agricultural fields. Despite a brief chase, police were unable to apprehend him.
Upon inspecting the seized vehicle, officers found 41 bullocks tightly packed inside in an inhumane manner. Following the rescue, the 33 surviving bullocks were handed over to the Srikrishna Gaushala on Khadial Road for proper care, treatment, and shelter. Meanwhile, the carcasses of the eight deceased bullocks were buried in accordance with established protocols after a veterinary officer conducted post-mortem examinations.
Based on a complaint lodged by Sub-Inspector Sumanta Kumar Panda, Nuapada Police have registered a case (Case No. 300, dated November 14, 2026) under Sections 303(2) and 317(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 11(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Sub-Inspector Harekrishna Jani has been assigned as the investigating officer.
Police have launched an investigation to trace the absconding driver and identify others involved in the smuggling network. Nuapada Police have also urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious transportation of animals to the nearest police station.
