Angul, Jul 25: Police on Friday busted a cattle smuggling racket as it rescued over 60 cows and bulls in the Karadakhman jungle area.

Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of Rengali and Khammar Police, led by Palalahada SDPO, conducted a raid and seized the vehicle.

During the search, it was ascertained that the vehicles were carrying cattle without valid documentation.

Initial investigations suggest the animals were sourced from farmers in Athmallik, Chhenipada, and Kanihan regions. The cattle were reportedly being transported in bulk with the intention of selling them to illegal slaughterhouses operating in Chhamunta’s Saturday market in Keonjhar district.

While the smugglers fled the scene moments before police arrived, an investigation has been launched to track down members of the suspected cow smuggling network.

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