BHUBANESWAR: Mancheswar police busted a cattle smuggling gang and arrested 14 persons during a late night raid on Wednesday. As many as 150 cattle heads and Rs.50,000 in cash were seized during the operation.
Four trucks, one pick-up van and three SUVs were also seized by the police. The arrested include six drivers, four helpers and as many cattle smugglers.
The cattle were being transported from Sakhigopal area to Kolkata when Mancheswar police intercepted the vehicles and searched them. The seized animals have been lodged at a goshala in Choudwar.
Khurda district and its adjoining areas are a major source of cattle and a well-oiled racket carries out the smuggling. A case was registered under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act and Motor Vehicle Act.