Bhubaneswar, June 20: In a breakthrough against illegal cattle trafficking and organized crime, the Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ) Court at Athagarh has sentenced accused SK Amanto to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹5 lakh.
The court delivered the verdict on Friday, holding the accused guilty under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as well as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The conviction is being seen as a significant achievement for the Cuttack Rural Police in their sustained efforts to curb illegal cattle transportation networks operating in the region.
The case dates back to March 3, 2026, when a team from Khuntuni Police Station, acting on specific intelligence inputs, carried out a raid at Champapur village. During the operation, police unearthed an illegal cattle transportation racket, rescued several cattle allegedly being transported under inhumane conditions, and seized two mini trucks used in the operation.
The investigation was led by SI S. Das of Khuntuni Police Station, while Debasish Shit, Additional Public Prosecutor, represented the prosecution. Officials said the investigation was completed within 99 days, with charges framed just six days after submission of the charge sheet. The trial itself concluded within 32 days, highlighting the swift pace of investigation and judicial proceedings.
According to police, the case was registered at Khuntuni Police Station under Sections 296, 303(2), 111(2), and 3(5) of the BNS, along with Section 11(a)(d) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Commending the efforts of the investigating and prosecution teams, Dr. Satyajit Naik, IGP, Central Range, Cuttack, said the conviction reflects the strong commitment of law enforcement agencies to tackling organized crime and ensuring timely justice.
“This conviction demonstrates the dedication of Odisha Police and Cuttack Rural Police towards curbing organized crime, preventing illegal cattle transportation, and ensuring effective delivery of justice,” Dr. Naik said.
