PONDA: Caught in a strange predicament, residents in Nirankal-Betora have raised concerns regarding the mysterious disappearance of stray cattle from the main roads and inner lanes in their area. They speculate that these missing cattle, which were often a menace to motorists, may have been smuggled away, and are now calling for increased police patrolling during the night to address the issue.
The local panchayat had previously taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians by appointing two workers responsible for driving away cattle from the roads in Nirankal and Betora. However, these workers have reported that the stray cattle have mysteriously disappeared during the late hours.
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The problem of stray cattle has been a recurring topic in discussions during gram sabhas held in the Betora panchayat. A few years ago, concerned citizens in Betora apprehended an auto-rickshaw involved in cattle smuggling. However, recent incidents have given rise to suspicions that organised smuggling operations are once again taking place in the area.
Various cattle owners within the panchayat have reported missing cattle over the past few days, increasing the sense of urgency. Umesh Gawade, who recently resigned as Sarpanch, expressed his concerns about the ongoing situation and hinted at the possibility of filing a formal complaint with the local police if the issue persists. As the acting sarpanch, he said he is working towards establishing a formal agreement with the Ponda municipality to ensure that stray cattle found on the roads can be safely transported to the gaushala (cow shelter).
The mysterious disappearances of cattle remain a subject of concern, and residents are demanding immediate measures to address the issue and determine the reasons behind these disappearances.
