On January 17, 2026, Odisha police launched a massive operation against organised cattle smuggling in Keonjhar and nearby districts. In raids at nine locations, police seized ₹1.40 crore in cash and a large amount of gold ornaments. The operation targeted four districts: Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. Keonjhar Superintendent of Police Kusalkar Nitin Dagudu said, "Our objective was to identify and break the organised cattle trade operating in different parts of the State." Police teams conducted searches at 46 spots linked to illegal cattle transport. They checked vehicles, questioned suspects, and gathered evidence. Sixty-five teams, led by five Deputy Superintendents of Police and supported by 18 platoons, worked simultaneously across the districts. The highest cash seizure was ₹60 lakh from Sheikh Rajan alias Tazuddin in Bhadrak. Mr. Dagudu confirmed the operation was peaceful and well-coordinated. He added, "Strict legal action will be initiated against all those found involved, in accordance with law." Further investigations are ongoing to find financiers and interstate connections. The crackdown follows many reported cow transportation and slaughter cases in Odisha over the last four years. The issue gained attention after a recent lynching incident in Balasore district. Mr. Dagudu urged the public to report credible information on illegal cattle smuggling. Similar enforcement drives will continue.