BAIKHORA: Police seized 17 cattle allegedly bound for smuggling into Bangladesh in a raid on two vehicles here Thursday night, exposing what sources describe as a long-running trafficking network.
Acting on a tip-off, a team led by second officer Birajit Das intercepted two Bolero pick-ups — registration numbers TR03E1600 and TR08A1612 — and recovered the animals. Sources said the cattle belonged to Sapan Dutta of Laulang, who allegedly used routes through the Baikhora police area and Poyangbari to move livestock across the border regularly.
According to sources, two men, identified as Tapan Tripura and Tapu, allegedly handed the cattle over to butchers in Bangladesh named as Minar Mia and Biltu Mia of Ramgarh.
Allegations have also emerged that the smuggling operated for months with the alleged complicity of former Baikhora OC Bishnu Chandra Das through monthly payments, before his transfer from the station. Sources further allege attempts are now being made to bribe police following the seizure.
Confirming the case, second OC Birajit Das said police have registered a formal complaint and are working to identify the cattle’s owner. Investigations are ongoing.