In a significant crackdown on illegal cow slaughter and cattle trafficking, Dhanupali police conducted a raid at a house in Sunapali on Friday, arresting nine individuals, including women, and rescuing 12 cows. During the operation, two police officers sustained injuries when the accused attacked them.
ASP Ajay Kumar Mishra informed the media that the raid was based on information regarding illegal cow slaughter at Abdul Gaffar’s residence in Sunapali. Acting on the tip-off, a team led by SI D Bhue, accompanied by independent witnesses, swiftly moved to the location.
At the site, police discovered two pickup trucks loaded with 12 cattle and a group engaged in the unlawful activity in Gaffar’s backyard. It was reported that three cows had already been slaughtered. When confronted, the accused attempted to flee but attacked the police with sharp weapons, injuring officers Falguni Sabar and Sushanta Munda.
Reinforcements arrived, and seven suspects were apprehended immediately. The news led to local residents storming Gaffar’s house and vandalizing property, but the police soon regained control.
During interrogation, the suspects revealed that they procured the cows from Saroj Kumar Behera (40) and his wife Durga Behera (30) of Attabira, who were also involved in cow slaughter and beef sales. The couple was subsequently arrested. Police seized several items including a weighing machine, two axes, two knives, and a wooden chopping block from the scene.
A case was registered under multiple sections of the law, including the Orissa Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
All arrested individuals were produced before the SDJM court in Sambalpur and remanded in judicial custody for 15 days. Meanwhile, police are actively searching for four absconding suspects named Abdul Zabar, Md Babu, Sonu, and Bargadia Chhotu.
