19 cattle killed in two separate cases

 

 

IN BACK-to-back distressing incidents of animal cruelty, Chhattisgarh witnessed the deaths of 19 cattle across two separate cases in Bilaspur and Raipur district, leading to public outrage. In Bilaspur’s Darrighat area, a high-speed truck plowed through a herd of cattle, killing 18, while in Raipur, a speeding vehicle ran over a calf, leaving the local community devastated. The catastrophic incident in Bilaspur occurred on Monday morning when a high-speed Hyva truck, en route from Raigarh to Korba, lost control on a partially constructed highway near Eramsahi village. In a tragic attempt to avoid a cow that suddenly appeared on the road, the driver inadvertently ran over a herd of cattle resting by the roadside, killing 18 of them instantly. Two other cattle were critically injured and rushed for medical care by members of the Govansh community.

 

The driver initially fled the scene but was later apprehended by Sipat Police, who have registered a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Villagers, outraged by the carnage, blocked the highway demanding justice and stricter regulations to prevent future accidents. After hours of negotiation, traffic was restored, and authorities assured swift legal action. In Raipur, a similarly distressing incident unfolded in Sales Tax Colony, where a young calf was killed by a speeding SUV (Mahindra XUV) vehicle on Sunday. CCTV footage of the incident shows the vehicle recklessly running over the calf, making no attempt to stop or avoid the animal. The driver fled the scene immediately, and Khamhardih Police has registered an FIR against the unidentified driver.

 

The vehicle, bearing registration number CG-04 NV-5557, remains at large, but authorities are hopeful that the CCTV footage will aid in locating the driver. Local residents expressed their frustration over recurring incidents of reckless driving in the area, fearing for the safety of both humans and animals. “This isn’t the first time we’ve witnessed such a tragedy. Traffic safety measures must be improved before more lives are lost,” said a distressed local. Meanwhile, both incidents have intensified the demand for better enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and stronger road safety regulations by animal rights groups.