Balasore, June 13: In a major crackdown on alleged illegal cattle smuggling operations, police conducted a special raid at the residence of suspected cattle mafia kingpin Sheikh Safiruddin in the Jaleswar area of Odisha's Balasore district on Saturday.

The operation was carried out jointly by the district police and Jaleswar police in the presence of a magistrate. During the raid, officials examined several important documents and records recovered from Safiruddin's residence. According to sources, Safiruddin had allegedly been operating an extensive illegal cattle trading and smuggling network in the Jaleswar region for a long time. Local residents had reportedly lodged multiple complaints with the police regarding the alleged activities, prompting authorities to launch a planned operation.

During the search, police seized bank passbooks, financial transaction records, and several other documents suspected to be linked to the alleged illegal business. Investigators believe the seized materials could reveal details about financial transactions and the broader network associated with the operation. However, Safiruddin reportedly fled before the raid after allegedly receiving prior information about the police action.

Police have launched a manhunt to trace and arrest the accused and are conducting searches at various locations. A large police contingent was deployed to ensure the success of the high-profile operation. The raid was supervised by an Additional Superintendent of Police, the Jaleswar SDPO, two Inspectors-in-Charge, and a platoon of police personnel, who cordoned off the entire area during the operation.

The action has reportedly created concern among individuals allegedly involved in illegal cattle smuggling activities in the region, while local residents have welcomed the police crackdown. Investigations are ongoing, and officials are examining the seized documents for further leads.