Chhattisgarh: Veterinary doctor suspended over death of 22 cows at shelter

Facing heat over recent deaths of over 20 cows at a bovine shelter in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh government today suspended a veterinary doctor for alleged dereliction of duty.

"Veterinary Assistant Surgeon Dr K P Rai, who was in- charge of Dugakondal Veterinary Hospital, has been suspended in connection with death of at least 22 cows at the state- aided Kamdhenu Gau Sewa centre at Karramad village in Durgkondal development block of the district," an official here said.

"The action was taken based on a preliminary probe report in connection with the incident," he added. On Sunday, Kanker District Collector Shammi Abidi had said that 22 cows had died at the shelter since August 1.

As per the order issued by Animal Husbandry Department here, Rai was suspended under the Chhattisgarh Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 1965 for "failing to take preventive measures and dereliction of duty in connection with the consistent sudden deaths of cows at the shelter home".

The state government had already ordered a probe into the death of cows, besides weekly inspection of all shelters in the state following a controversy over the incident.

A seven-member probe committee headed by the chairman of Krishi Sthai Samiti, Zila Panchayat Kanker constituted to probe the incident, has been asked to submit its report to the state government within seven days, the official said.

Prima facie, the administration found that negligence on the part of shelter home management led to the incident.

"However, the enquiry team will carry out its investigation on various points, including aid to the shelter home since 2012-13, its use, fodder for animals, veterinary facilities and other arrangements for the livestock at the centre," he added.

Meanwhile, on the direction of state's Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal, the Director of Veterinary Services has ordered constitution of committees at the district level for inspection of cow shelter homes.

As per the circular, the committees will submit inspection report of all the cow shelter homes in their respective areas within seven-day to higher authority.