Team Goemkarponn
VALPOI: A Valpoi-based goushala has lodged a complaint with the Valpoi Police alleging that a rescued cow was forcibly taken away from its premises by a local resident without following the prescribed legal procedure under the Goa Stray Cattle Management Scheme.
According to the complaint filed by Hanumant C. Parab, President of A.V. Jai Shriram Gosavardhan Kendra, Valpoi, the organisation had rescued an injured cow near the PTS area at Valpoi on July 14 after receiving a rescue call. The cow was treated at the goushala and had reportedly recovered from its injuries.
The complaint states that on the evening of July 15, a resident identified as Pandurang Betkekar allegedly trespassed into the goushala premises and forcibly removed the rescued cow despite objections from the staff. The goushala has alleged that the cow was taken away without obtaining approval from the management or completing the documentation required under the Goa Stray Cattle Management Scheme, 2013 (Amended).
The organisation further claimed that it immediately informed the Valpoi Police and later contacted the 112 emergency service after police personnel reportedly cited a shortage of staff. A police team subsequently visited the residence of the person named in the complaint along with a veterinary official, but the cow was allegedly not handed back to the goushala.
In the complaint, the goushala has requested the police to register the matter, investigate the incident and ensure that the rescued cow is returned to its custody so that the prescribed legal procedure can be completed.
Police are yet to issue an official statement on the allegations, and further action is awaited.
