Trafficking / Illegal Cattle Trafficking Foiled in Kataka, Baleshwar

Kataka, Oct 13: Kataka and Baleshwar districts witnessed dramatic incidents of illegal cattle trafficking early Tuesday, exposing the growing menace along National Highway‑16.

In Kataka’s Athagada region, villagers intercepted a convoy consisting of a Bolero SUV and a pickup van loaded with cattle near Mundali. The Bolero was allegedly acting as a pilot vehicle, providing cover for the pickup.

Witnesses said the traffickers carried firearms and sharp weapons to protect the transport. When locals tried to stop the vehicles, the mafia reportedly fired blank shots to intimidate them.

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Fortunately, no one was injured. Villagers managed to detain both vehicles, discovering more than 11 cattle crammed inside the pickup in deplorable condition.

Police later seized the vehicles, recovering weapons including swords and machetes. One suspect was handed over to police custody, and further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, in Baleshwar district’s Soro area, another pickup van carrying 12 cattle was intercepted near Sarasankha on the Soro‑Kupari road.

Reports suggest the van had started from Dagarapada and was heading towards West Bengal. Acting on a tip‑off, Bajrang Dal activists stopped the vehicle and alerted police. Soro police reached the spot, seized the van, and rescued the cattle, which will be shifted to a local shelter.

Authorities note that such illegal cattle trafficking is rampant along NH‑16, with most consignments destined for West Bengal.

Police have intensified checks and vowed to crack down on the networks behind these operations.