Bolani, 1 August - Sibashish Nanda
Cattle smuggling activities continue to plague the border areas of Keonjhar district, particularly in the Bolani police limits. In a recent incident late Thursday night, Bolani police intercepted a Bolero vehicle being used to transport cattle illegally. However, the smugglers managed to flee the scene, leaving the vehicle and animals behind.
According to police sources, during routine night patrolling, the Bolani police team encountered a severe traffic jam near Gate No. 2 of the Arya Factory in the Matkambeda Industrial Area. Among the vehicles stuck in the congestion was a Bolero carrying cattle. Noticing the presence of the police patrol vehicle behind them, the smugglers abandoned the vehicle and fled under the cover of darkness.
Upon inspection, police discovered two cattle loaded in the vehicle — one cow found alive and one bullock found dead. The Bolero was subsequently seized and brought to the Bolani Police Station premises.
Bolani police have informed the veterinary officer, following which a post-mortem of the deceased bullock will be conducted, and the health of the surviving cow will be examined. Preliminary investigations indicate that this is part of a larger cattle smuggling network operating in the area.
Police have initiated a full investigation into the incident. The ownership documents of the vehicle are being verified, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling operation.
This incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter monitoring and law enforcement to curb the growing menace of cattle trafficking in the region.