Almost 17 dead cows have been found buried inside the premises of a government school in Dabra area of Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh. This also happens to be the home district of animal husbandry minister Lakhan Singh Yadav.

A police probe suggests that cows, including calves were possibly locked in one of the rooms of the school building for 3 to 4 days. The cows died due to starvation and suffocation in the overcrowded room. A case has been registered against unidentified accused under provisions of the state’s anti-cow slaughter law. MP Gauvansh Vadh Pratishedh Adhiniyam 2004 and the JCB machine used for burying the cows has been seized, a detailed probe by the SDM has also been instituted into the matter.

Gwalior’s district collector Anurag Chaudhary told The New Indian Express, “The SDM has been tasked to conduct a detailed probe into the entire matter and submit the report within two days. Based on the findings of the report, all those found responsible or wanting in the matter won’t be spared. Accountability will be fixed on all concerned departments in the matter based on the findings of the probe.”

The government middle school, where the incident happened is located in Samudan village on Dabra-Gwalior road (around 40 km from Gwalior district headquarter). Some gausevaks or cow protectors spotted the cows being buried inside the school premises and informed the police. By the time police reached the spot, the accused fled leaving behind  the JCB machine in the school premises. Dabra police has sent the dead cows for autopsy.

Hearing the news, Chief Minister Kamal Nath tweeted, “Saddened by the death of 17 cows in Samudan village of Gwalior district. A probe has been ordered and stern action will be taken all those responsible. Such incidents cannot be tolerated as the government is committed to cow conservation.” 

The Kamal Nath government has embarked on a mission to render home to 10 lakh stray cows in the state. 

Source: PTI