Odisha Police launched a massive crackdown on January 17, 2026, targeting illegal cattle trading networks across four districts.
In the early hours of January 17, 2026, Keonjhar Police launched a massive crackdown on illegal cattle trading. Multiple teams carried out coordinated raids at 46 locations, aiming to dismantle organised smuggling operations.
To begin with, the raids covered Santarapur, Kaliahata, Telkoi, Ghasipura, Turumunga, and Jamujodi under Harichandanpur in Keonjhar district. Furthermore, simultaneous operations took place in Bisoi, Karanjia, Jharpokhria, Tentoposhi, Chadheibhol, Kendrei, and Thakurmunda in Mayurbhanj district, as well as Korei in Jajpur district and several areas of Bhadrak district.
Moreover, the extensive operation was led by two Additional Superintendents of Police, supported by five Deputy Superintendents, 25 Inspectors, 36 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and 18 platoons of armed force. Police sources revealed that significant seizures of cash, vehicles, and properties are expected as the raids continue.
Meanwhile, in Bhadrak, Keonjhar Police conducted a high-profile raid on the residence of alleged cattle mafia Sheikh Tajuddin alias Rajan in Mullasahi under Puruna Bazar police station. The house was surrounded by two platoons of force and ten senior officers. As a result, searches uncovered over Rs 70 lakh in cash, gold ornaments, and documents linked to a shopping mall reportedly owned by Rajan. Police even deployed a money-counting machine to process the seized cash.
Additionally, Keonjhar Sadar SDPO Sudarshan Gangoi confirmed that Rajan faces multiple serious cases of cattle smuggling registered across Keonjhar district. Consequently, the crackdown marks one of the largest anti-cattle smuggling operations in recent years, with raids still underway at several locations.
