Bhubaneswar, 4 June (H.S.): In a major operation against suspected cattle trafficking, nearly 300 cows were rescued on Wednesday from multiple locations in Betnoti block of Mayurbhanj district. The rescue was the result of a joint raid conducted by police teams from Morada, Baisinga, Badasahi, and Rasgovindpur.

Acting on credible intelligence inputs, the police teams raided Govindraipur village under Kalama Panchayat, which falls within the jurisdiction of Baisinga Police Station. Upon arrival, officers found large numbers of cattle assembled at three separate public spots in extremely poor and unhygienic conditions.

Authorities said that when local residents were asked to provide valid documentation proving ownership and legality of transportation, they failed to produce satisfactory evidence. Subsequently, 294 cattle were seized and later transferred to a registered goshala (cow shelter) in Balasore for proper care.

We received confirmed information about large-scale cattle movement and acted swiftly. The rescued animals were found in distress, raising serious concerns over cruelty and possible illegal transportation, said a senior police officer involved in the operation.

While it has not yet been confirmed whether the cattle were being smuggled into West Bengal, the possibility of cross-border trafficking is under active investigation. Police sources confirmed that three separate cases have been registered under Sections 303(2) and Sections 11(a), (f), (h), and (k) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda