Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: A dispute over a gaushala at Zambaulim has snowballed into a major controversy after the Dhyan Foundation alleged that temporary shelters housing rescued cattle were demolished during the night, leaving several cows injured and many others running into the nearby forest. Police have registered an FIR following a complaint by the organisation, while the temple Devasthan has categorically denied any involvement in the incident.
The controversy traces its origins to the relocation of around 300 rescued cattle to a newly developed gaushala in Zambaulim. The Dhyan Foundation maintains that the cattle were shifted only after securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local Devasthan earlier this year. The facility, according to the organisation, shelters animals rescued from illegal transportation, accidents and abandonment across Sanguem, Curchorem and Quepem.
Opposition to the gaushala emerged soon after the relocation, with a section of local residents and members of the Shree Damodar Zambaulim Temple Devasthan questioning whether the temple land could be used for such a purpose. They argued that the property had not been earmarked for a gaushala and should instead be reserved for other community requirements.
Tensions reached a flashpoint on Tuesday night when the foundation alleged that a group of people entered the premises with machinery and demolished temporary cattle sheds. The organisation claimed the action caused injuries to several cows, while many frightened animals escaped into the adjoining forest, prompting volunteers to launch rescue efforts.
The incident gained widespread attention after videos and photographs of damaged sheds and distressed cattle circulated on social media.
Following the incident, the Dhyan Foundation approached Quepem Police, accusing several individuals, including office-bearers of the temple Devasthan, of trespass, damaging property and subjecting the animals to cruelty.
Police have since registered an FIR under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The investigation is currently underway.
Meanwhile, the Shree Damodar Zambaulim Temple Devasthan has rejected the allegations levelled against it.
Devasthan President Manjunath Dhukle said the temple committee had no role in the alleged demolition and dismissed claims that it had engaged anyone to remove the structures.
He, however, alleged that the NGO had constructed seven to eight sheds on temple property without obtaining permission. According to Dhukle, the Devasthan had granted approval only for a single shed in 2015, and that arrangement had subsequently expired.
He also stated that the temple committee had already lodged a complaint against the NGO over the alleged unauthorised construction and that the matter would be discussed at the Devasthan’s meeting scheduled for Sunday.
With both sides maintaining conflicting versions of events, the dispute has moved beyond a land-use disagreement and developed into a sensitive issue involving animal welfare, property rights and public order. Authorities continue to monitor the situation while police investigate the allegations made by both parties.
