PANJIM/MARGAO/SANGUEM: The South Goa administration has directed the Dhyan Foundation to relocate all cattle from its gaushala at Deao, Quepem, within 12 hours, citing concerns over public safety, public health and animal welfare, even as the alleged demolition of eight cattle sheds at the facility continues to be investigated by the police.
The order, issued by Quepen deputy collector and sub divisional magistrate (SDM) Vimod Dalal under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), directs the Foundation to shift the cattle to recognised gaushalas or suitable animal shelters after obtaining certification from the Quepem Veterinary Officer confirming that the animals are fit for transportation.
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The Foundation has, however, objected to the order, with its volunteers describing it as illegal and ex-parte. They alleged that the order was issued without giving the Foundation an opportunity to be heard and claimed that only a photocopy of the order had been served. The Foundation has stated that it considers the order invalid and intends to challenge it through legal means.
Under the order, if the Foundation fails to relocate the cattle within the stipulated period, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has been authorised to rescue, transport and relocate them at the Foundation’s risk and responsibility, with the costs recoverable in accordance with law.
The Quepem Mamlatdar has been directed to supervise the relocation process, while the Quepem Police Inspector has been instructed to provide adequate security and maintain law and order during the operation. The Veterinary Officer has also been directed to ensure immediate treatment for injured, weak, pregnant or otherwise vulnerable animals and ensure that their transportation complies with applicable animal welfare laws.
The administration has clarified that the order is purely preventive and does not determine ownership or possession rights over Survey No 102/1 at Deao, Quepem. It also does not affect any pending or future legal proceedings relating to the property or the alleged demolition of the cattle sheds.
The order comes against the backdrop of a police case registered on July 22 following a complaint by Archana Chaubey, coordinator of the Dhyan Foundation. The complaint alleges that gaushala supervisor Subhash and security guard Kiran Velip were wrongfully confined, assaulted and intimidated, while three mobile phones were allegedly stolen and the CCTV system damaged to destroy evidence.
The complaint further alleges that earth-moving machinery was used to demolish eight cattle sheds housing around 300 rescued cattle, causing an estimated loss of Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore.
The police investigation is being conducted by PSI Somesh Prabhudessai under the supervision of PI Prashal Dessai. Police have recorded the statement of a person believed to be a bouncer, while temple committee president Manjunath Dukle and Pravas Naik, against whom an offence has been registered, have been called for investigation on Monday, July 27.
No arrests have been made so far. Police said notices under Section 35A of the BNSS had been issued to the accused, who appeared before the investigating officer and whose statements are being recorded. The alleged mobile phones connected with the case are yet to be seized, while forensic examination and further evidence collection are in progress.
The temple committee, however, has rejected the allegations surrounding the demolition. Zambaulim temple president Manjunath Dukle asserted it was impossible to demolish eight sheds, each around 120 metres long, and release nearly 300 tied cattle within two hours. He also alleged that the Dhyan Foundation had earlier been asked to vacate the land.
Dukle claimed he had proposed an audit of the construction and placing the matter before the temple committee, but said the sheds were demolished before the process could take place.
At the same time, he expressed concern over the condition of the cattle, saying he was saddened to see the cows exposed to the rain and questioning why proper shelter had not been arranged for them.
Welcoming the Deputy Collector’s relocation order, Dukle said the official action would help establish the truth. He also denied allegations that force was used, claiming that his side had first approached the Sanguem Mamlatdar and later the Quepem authorities because of jurisdictional issues.
The Foundation’s supporters and animal welfare activists have disputed the administration’s move and staged a protest at Zambaulim on Sunday, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the alleged demolition, an impartial investigation, compensation for the alleged damage and action over the alleged cruelty to the cattle.
The protest, organised by members of Goa Premi along with cow protection activists, animal lovers and others, concluded peacefully. Quepem Police said no untoward incident was reported.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad has also submitted memoranda to the Quepem Mamlatdar and police, demanding action over the alleged demolition. The organisation has claimed that the gaushala was established on land belonging to local temple authorities after an NOC was obtained from the Devasthan.
The VHP has demanded a fair investigation, protection and rehabilitation of the displaced cattle and action against those found responsible.
