For representative purpose
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha police on Wednesday booked an alleged cattle smuggler, who is currently in judicial custody since his arrest in Feb, under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).The accused was identified as Sakil Khan (35). Police said Khan was booked in at least 10 cases, including cattle smuggling and assault on public servants.Cuttack SP (rural) Vinit Agrawal stated that the proposal to detain Khan under the NSA was submitted to the govt to check his continued involvement in criminal activities. “Considering his repeated offences and threat to public order, we sought action under the NSA, which has now been approved by the state home department,” Agrawal said.Police described Khan as a habitual offender engaged in assault, intimidation, rioting and organised crimes, particularly cattle smuggling. “His activities severely disturbed public peace and conventional legal measures had failed to deter him. Preventive detention under the NSA was, therefore, recommended and subsequently approved,” another officer added.Fisheries and animal resources development minister Gokulananda Mallik has reiterated the govt’s zero tolerance towards cattle mafia. “No mercy will be shown to the cattle mafia, who thrived under the patronage of the previous govt. It is time they reform, else they will be dealt with severely. Crackdowns are being carried out at regular intervals,” Mallik said.
