The Uttar Pradesh government has taken swift action against two officers following a tragic incident at the Raj Bhawan cowshed in Lucknow. Authorities suspended a veterinary officer and a livestock officer after two calves and a heifer died under their care.
Immediate Suspensions Ordered
Additional Chief Secretary for Animal Husbandry, Mukesh Meshram, issued the suspension orders. This decision came directly from recommendations made by a special inquiry committee. The committee was established by the ACS specifically for Governor SM Bobde.
Committee Findings Point to Negligence
On January 3, Governor Bobde formally wrote to the Animal Husbandry Department. His letter highlighted the inquiry committee's preliminary findings. The committee clearly stated that Veterinary Officer Umakant Jaiswal and Livestock Officer Saurabh Gupta were responsible for negligence.
The report found they failed in their duties regarding the care and treatment of the bovines housed at the Raj Bhawan facility. This dereliction of duty directly contributed to the unfortunate deaths.
Specific Charges Lead to Disciplinary Action
Special Secretary Devendra Kumar Pandey took cognizance of the damning report. He immediately suspended Livestock Officer Saurabh Gupta. The suspension order cited a specific and serious failure.
Gupta did not assist the veterinary officer in administering crucial medicines. He also failed to help determine the correct dosage for treating the sick animals. Shockingly, he delegated this critical medical task to his personal driver.
Reinforcements Sent to Raj Bhawan
Beyond the suspensions, the Animal Husbandry Department acted to prevent future incidents. They dispatched a new team to oversee the Raj Bhawan cowshed.
The department sent an additional veterinary officer, Dr. Ramesh, to the site. They also assigned two new livestock officers: Purandar Mishra and Dharmendra Kumar Singh. This move aims to ensure better upkeep and medical care for all cattle at the Governor's residence.
The government has also formally sought further disciplinary action against both suspended officers. This case underscores the state's commitment to accountability in animal welfare roles.
