Mahasamund: Cattle Smuggling Underway Despite Concerns

The Saraypali area of Mahasamund district is experiencing a surge in cattle smuggling. This area’s proximity to the Odisha border allows smugglers to exploit the cover of darkness and dense forests to transport cattle to other states and slaughterhouses. Cattle are being smuggled through National Highways, posing a threat to the cattle population in several regions of Chhattisgarh. Cattle are herded along the highway from Chhattisgarh, passing through Saraypali, Singoda, and Rehtikhol before reaching Odisha. Despite attempts to stop the smuggling, gau rakshaks (cow protectors) claim that they do not receive sufficient cooperation from the local administration, even after providing information about the illegal activities. They also allege that the local police intimidate them rather than apprehending the smugglers.