Chandigarh Chief Secretary Orders 24/7 CCTV Monitoring After Discovery of 50 Mutilated Cow Carcasses
Chandigarh Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad has issued strict directives for continuous CCTV surveillance at all cow shelters across the city. This action follows the shocking discovery of approximately 50 mutilated cow carcasses at the animal disposal center in Makhan Majra, Raipur Kalan.
Immediate Actions and Investigation
The UT Administration has ordered post-mortem examinations and a detailed inquiry into the incident. Officials expect an official report within one week. Police have registered a case at Mauli Jagran station under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The complaint came from the Gaushala Management Committee in Makhan Majra. It alleges that unknown persons are responsible. The complaint states that several cattle died due to inadequate fodder, drinking water, medical care, and shelter. During an inspection on January 13, cattle were found suffering from cold, hunger, and illness.
Police officials confirm that an investigation is currently in progress. They report that around 50 to 60 cattle were found dead at the spot. No veterinary doctor or treatment facility was available at the time.
Chief Secretary's Inspection and Directives
Chief Secretary Prasad personally inspected gaushalas at Raipur Kalan and two in the Industrial Area. He also visited the incinerator and Animal Birth Control Centre at Raipur Kalan. His goal was to review arrangements for cattle and dog welfare.
During the visit, he interacted with officers and staff at the shelters. He issued specific directions to strengthen monitoring and transparency. Prasad emphasized that all gaushala premises must remain neat and hygienic at all times.
He instructed shelters to ensure essential facilities for proper living conditions, feeding, and drinking water. The Chief Secretary also addressed a non-functional incinerator at the Makhan Majra center. He noted a technical defect caused the downtime but assured repairs are underway to make it operational soon.
Enhanced Management and Accountability Measures
To ensure effective management, the Chief Secretary directed each facility to display complete details of deployed manpower. This includes veterinary doctors and supporting staff along with their daily duty rosters.
Prasad reiterated the importance of CCTV surveillance. He stressed that monitoring must be strictly adhered to and reviewed periodically. This measure aims to ensure transparency and prevent management lapses.
Political Reaction and Public Outrage
Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon called the discovery of dozens of carcasses at the Municipal Corporation-run gaushala shocking and unacceptable. He stated that reports of mutilated carcasses with missing eyes, hooves, and horns are deeply disturbing.
Tandon described the mass cow deaths as a tragic and unacceptable loss. He stressed that those entrusted with animal care must be held fully accountable. While the Municipal Corporation suspended some officials and ordered an inquiry, Tandon demanded the investigation reach a logical conclusion with complete transparency.
The reasons behind these deaths must be clearly established, Tandon said. Any foul play should be exposed and those responsible must face strict action.
Traffic Disruption Due to Protest
In a related development, cow vigilantes staged a protest at the Sector-26 Transport light point. They brought the body of a dead calf to the road, causing significant traffic disruption.
Protesters raised slogans demanding a ban on cow slaughter and strict action against cattle smuggling. Long vehicle queues formed, inconveniencing commuters. Locals reported that a resident had gone to arrange a vehicle for burying the calf. Before his return, an agitated crowd carried the carcass to the intersection.
This action triggered chaos and rumors of smuggling. Chandigarh Police arrived at the spot, held talks with protesters, and managed the situation. Police personnel remained deployed to restore traffic flow and maintain law and order.
With about 1,000 cows housed in various city shelters, the Chief Secretary's directives aim to prevent future incidents. The community watches closely as authorities work to address this serious animal welfare issue.
