Jajpur: In a late-night operation on Tuesday, Barchana police intercepted a container truck illegally transporting 70 cattle along National Highway 53 near Benapur Chhak in Jajpur district.Acting on a tip-off, police chased down the container around 2 AM. Realizing he was being pursued, the driver abandoned the vehicle near Khaira and fled the spot.On inspection, police discovered 70 cattle crammed inside the vehicle in deplorable condition. Twenty-two of them were found dead. The deceased cattle were given last rites today, while the surviving animals were shifted to a nearby cow shelter for care.The container has been seized, and police have launched a manhunt to trace the driver and others involved in the illegal cattle transportation racket.