Odisha: Bajrang Dal Faces Violent Confrontation As Ten Members Injured In Clash With Cattle Traffickers

In a recent incident in Odisha's Balasore district, at least 10 members of the Bajrang Dal sustained injuries following a clash with a group allegedly involved in trafficking cattle to Bengal.

As per reports by Hindustan Times, the confrontation unfolded on Thursday (28 December) morning, as Bajrang Dal workers from the Salepur area in Cuttack followed three vans carrying cattle for approximately 200 kilometres.

The situation escalated when they attempted to halt the vans at Fuladi area on the outskirts of Balasore town, along NH 60.

According to police officials, a scuffle ensued between the Bajrang Dal workers and the individuals transporting the cattle, prompting the latter to seek assistance from local villagers.

The villagers, armed with bamboo sticks and other weapons, joined the fray and attacked the Bajrang Dal workers, resulting in injuries to at least 10 of them.

Three workers sustained severe injuries, including fractures and head gashes.

This incident follows a pattern of rising tensions surrounding cattle transportation in the region.

In September, an angry mob set a vehicle transporting cattle ablaze in Keonjhar district, suspecting it of being involved in cattle smuggling.

Similar incidents have occurred across the state, with locals intercepting vans carrying cattle, expressing concerns about illegal transportation.

Last year, the Odisha Crime Investigation Department (CID) revealed a substantial increase in cases related to the illegal transportation of cows, categorised as cruelty to animals, over the past five years.

The CID affidavit reported a staggering 217 per cent rise in such cases since 2017, indicating a growing challenge in curbing illegal activities related to cattle transport in the state.