Baripada (Mayurbhanj): In a major crackdown on cattle smuggling, Mayurbhanj police conducted simultaneous raids at 15 locations across seven police station areas on Tuesday, arresting two persons and seizing cash, gold, vehicles, and important documents.
The arrested persons have been identified as residents of the Jharpokharia area and are suspected to be part of a larger cattle smuggling network operating from Mayurbhanj to West Bengal.
Superintendent of Police Varun Guntupalli said the drive was part of a district-wide operation against illegal cattle trade. “The raids began early morning and are ongoing at multiple locations including Baripada Town, Bhanjpur, Suliapada, Bangiriposi, Jharpokharia, and Badampahad. Properties, cash, bank accounts, and vehicles are being verified as part of the operation,” he said.
Police teams involved in the raids included four Additional SPs, three SDPOs, 15 police officers, and six platoons of forces, operating under the direct supervision of SP Guntupalli. While two persons have been arrested so far, police said the number of arrests and the value of seized items are likely to rise as investigations continue.
During the raids, the police seized Rs 11 lakh in cash, gold ornaments worth over Rs 12 lakh, five four-wheelers, and four two-wheelers, along with several crucial documents from Deogan and Satpautia areas under Rairangpur police station.
SP Guntupalli added that the campaign against cattle smuggling would continue, and the ongoing raids are expected to reveal more details about the network’s operations.
