Cuttack Court Awards Life Imprisonment in Illegal Cattle Transportation Case
Cuttack: In a major crackdown on illegal cattle transportation and organised crime, the Additional District Judge (ADJ) Court in Athagarh has convicted an accused in a case registered by Khuntuni Police and awarded stringent punishment, including life imprisonment and hefty fines.
The case, registered as Khuntuni PS Case No. 33/2026 on February 3, 2026, was filed under Sections 296, 303(2), 111(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 11(a)(d) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
According to police, a Khuntuni Police patrol team, acting on specific intelligence inputs, conducted a raid at Champapur village on February 3, 2026. During the operation, police allegedly detected an illegal cattle transportation network. Several cattle were found in distressing condition at the spot, while two mini trucks suspected to have been used for transportation were seized. The accused and others reportedly fled upon noticing the police team.
The investigation, led by SI S. Das of Khuntuni Police Station, was completed within 99 days, following which a charge sheet was filed on May 12, 2026. Charges were framed by the court within six days, and the trial was concluded within 32 days.
On June 20, 2026, the ADJ Court, Athagarh, pronounced its judgment, holding the accused, identified as SK Arman, guilty under the relevant provisions of the BNS and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The court sentenced the convict to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹50,000 under certain provisions of the law. Additionally, for offences related to organised crime, the court awarded life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹5 lakh.
The prosecution was conducted by Additional Public Prosecutor Debasish Shit, while the investigation was carried out by Khuntuni Police.
Police officials described the conviction as a significant achievement in efforts to curb illegal cattle transportation and organised criminal activities, highlighting the importance of swift investigation and speedy trial in ensuring effective justice delivery.
