Another panic hit the Gadarwara district after approximately 12 to 13 cows were discovered dead at the 132 kV power substation in Damru Valley. The abrupt demise of the cattle has appalled the locals that have resulted in much debate and concern within the town.
Reports have it that residents found a number of dead cows near the substation in the early morning and had reported the matter to the authorities. On the same information, the police and veterinary officials arrived at the scene to commence an investigation. There are initial suspicions that the cause of death is food poisoning yet foul play has not been eliminated.
An FIR was lodged by a local resident Mamta at the Gadarwara police station about the incident. On her complaint, the police have filed a case against undetermined individuals under Section 325 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The veterinary department is ordered to carry out post-mortem of the dead cows in order to find out the exact cause of death.
Formalities said that it would take the veterinary report to be received before one could know whether the deaths were as a result of poisoning or otherwise. Animal lovers and welfare activists on the other hand have insisted on a just and open investigation into the issue which requires the authorities to make an iron fist with those who are involved in foul play in case foul play is established.
Bhagirath Tiwari, the Honorary Animal Welfare Officer, Narsinghpur is overseeing the post-mortem. The local governments have also promised the residents that every effort is being made to find out what is happening with the mysterious deaths and how to avoid such a crime in the future.
The case is a shocking event that has brought up the safety of animals and the need to have greater monitoring of places where stray or domestic animals run freely.