Balasore: A day after Odisha police launched one of the biggest crackdowns on organised cattle-smuggling networks in northern Odisha, investigators are now focusing on the syndicate’s financial trail and interstate links.Eastern Range DIG Pinak Mishra said police have started digging into how the racket allegedly generated, moved, and concealed illegal proceeds across Balasore, Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj districts.He said investigation is no longer limited to cattle transport and smuggling, but now centres on tracing the money trail, suspected benami assets, and possible investments made using proceeds from the illegal trade. The seizure of over Rs 46 lakh in cash, nearly 2kg gold, large quantities of silver, firearms and dozens of vehicles has strengthened suspicion that the syndicate functioned as a well-organised criminal enterprise.Investigators are now scrutinising bank records, land documents, ATM cards, passbooks and other financial papers recovered during the raids. Police also suspect that the accused may have routed illegal earnings through front companies, property deals and local investments to disguise the source of funds.With around 23 people arrested, interrogators are now trying to piece together the racket’s interstate logistics chain based on information gathered during questioning. Preliminary findings suggest the network used organised transport corridors to move cattle from interiors of Odisha towards West Bengal and possibly other neighbouring states.Investigators believe the syndicate functioned through a structured system involving local cattle suppliers, transport handlers, enforcers, and outside financiers. Police are now coordinating with law enforcement agencies in neighbouring states to identify receivers, handlers, and financial backers linked to the operation.Digital forensic teams are also examining seized mobile phones, call records, diaries and electronic devices for leads on communication patterns, payment systems and transport routes.
