In a meticulously planned night-time operation, police teams from Keonjhar and Bhadrak districts raided the residence of SK Rajan, one of Odisha’s most wanted cow smugglers. The raid, involving over three platoons of forces, aimed to dismantle his alleged large-scale cattle smuggling network.

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Intelligence Leads to Coordinated Action

Rajan, who resides in Mulla Sahi under Puruna Bazar police limits, has long been under surveillance for allegedly orchestrating the illegal transport of cows, primarily to West Bengal. Acting on intelligence provided by Keonjhar authorities, the joint squad surrounded his home, secured entry points, and even established a temporary outpost in Puruna Bazar to maintain order during the operation.

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Massive Haul of Cash and Gold Seized

During the search, authorities recovered Rs 70 lakh in cash along with a significant amount of gold jewellery, suspected to be proceeds from his illicit operations. Rajan was taken into custody and is currently undergoing intensive questioning as police probe the extent of his criminal network.

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Police Highlight Significance of the Raid

Bhadrak SP Manoj Raut, who supervised the operation, emphasized that the raid marks a major step toward curbing cross-border cattle smuggling. Officials suggest this action could potentially dismantle a critical node in Odisha’s cattle mafia syndicate.

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Locals Hope for Crackdown on Cattle Rackets

The operation has drawn attention from local communities affected by illegal cattle trade, which has long undermined rural economies. Police have assured the public that a detailed disclosure of the findings will follow once the investigation concludes.