Keonjhar, Jan 19: Keonjhar Police have intensified their crackdown on cattle smuggling operations, arresting 10 smugglers and producing them in court.

Investigators revealed that the accused maintained nearly 50 bank accounts and 20 lockers, which will now be scrutinized to determine the full extent of their financial dealings.

One of the key accused, Sujit Mohanty from Jharpokharia village in Mayurbhanj district, is reported to own property in Balasore. Police teams are actively investigating his connections in the Paduapada area.

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In a recent raid, officers searched the residence of Sujit’s brother, Tapan Mohanty, and seized a BMW car along with a three-storey property, further exposing the scale of wealth amassed through illegal activities.

Last Saturday, Keonjhar Police carried out simultaneous raids at 46 locations across five districts. According to Keonjhar Superintendent of Police, assets worth nearly ₹50 crore were seized. These included houses, bank deposits, and plots of land allegedly acquired through cattle smuggling.

The raids also uncovered staggering amounts of valuables: ₹1,52,82,505 in cash, 1.131 kg of gold, 3.080 kg of silver, 23 two-wheelers, 23 four-wheelers, 21 luxury watches, and 13 mobile phones. Authorities confirmed that the bank accounts of the arrested smugglers will be frozen, and banks will be instructed to block any accounts linked to their names.

Police believe that the smuggling network extends far beyond the 10 individuals already arrested. Investigations into Sujit Mohanty’s activities are ongoing, and officials suspect that many more smugglers remain at large. The crackdown highlights the scale of illegal cattle smuggling in Odisha and the vast fortunes it has generated for those involved.

Compiled by: Satabhisa Jena