Cow vigilantes set vehicle carrying cattle on fire in Odisha

A pick-up van transporting 17 cattle was set ablaze in Odisha’s Bhadrak district after it overturned, killing 12 animals. The incident occurred near Gelatua under Bhadrak Rural police limits early Thursday morning (November 20, 2025).

The vehicle, reportedly carrying cattle from Agarpada in Bhadrak district, was being chased by cow vigilantes. In an attempt to flee, the driver and his helper sped away, causing the vehicle to overturn. Twelve cattle died on the spot. Local residents later set the overturned van on fire after rescuing the remaining animals.

This is the second such incident in Bhadrak this year. In August, cow vigilantes intercepted a vehicle carrying 12 cows and set it on fire on National Highway 16 after releasing the animals.

Again in September, vigilante groups stopped four vehicles allegedly transporting beef illegally and handed the drivers over to the police.