Jharsuguda, Aug 18: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Brajrajnagar railway station in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district rescued 20 imported Persian cats from a train arriving from Mumbai on Monday.

As per reports, the cats were being transported by a couple—Amin Shaikh and his wife—along with their four-month-old infant, aboard the Mumbai–Shalimar Express.

The train arrived at Brajrajnagar around 2:30 AM, when RPF officials, acting on a tip-off, intercepted the couple and discovered the cats packed in carriers of various sizes.

Initial investigation suggests the cats were being trafficked to Santaragachi, Kolkata, for sale at a private pet farm. The couple reportedly lacked proper documentation for transporting the animals.

The cats, visibly stressed and dehydrated, were immediately handed over to local veterinary authorities for care. RPF officials suspect a larger network may be involved in the illegal trade of exotic pets via railway routes.

Animal welfare organizations have expressed concern over the growing trend of illegal pet trafficking across railway routes. The RPF has handed over the couple to local police, and a detailed inquiry is underway to uncover the network behind this operation.

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