Taleigao farmers take ‘vandal’ buffalo to cops

Panaji: Frustrated with unabated crop destruction by stray cattle, farmers from Taleigao on Saturday took the unusual step of shepherding a potential ‘accused’ towards cops. The farmers caught a buffalo that allegedly ravaged their fields and brought it to the Panaji police station as “material evidence”.

The farmers filed a formal complaint, urging police to immediately register an FIR against the owner of the buffalo. They also demanded a forensic examination of the buffalo’s dung to establish the link between the animal and the crop destruction.

The complainants called for accountability from those whose negligence is causing distress to the farming community. Nathan D’Souza, a prominent young farmer, described the damage. “Standing crops of vegetables are not the sole casualties,” he said. “Equipment such as mulching sheets and drip irrigation pipes as well as farming infrastructure such as fencing have been destroyed too.”

Ceasar Machado, a fellow farmer impacted by the situation, highlighted to police the “unmet commitments” of chief minister Pramod Sawant. Machado said, “The CM said he would hold cattle owners accountable and penalise them by cancelling their subsidies. But it’s all talk, no action has been taken.”

Local politician Cecille Rodrigues alleged negligence on the part of the local panchayat. “They have failed to build the cattle impound facility despite receiving govt funds,” Rodrigues said. “They continue to collect annual funds for managing stray cattle but have done nothing.”

Francis Coelho, a Taleigao resident, expressed deep dissatisfaction with police’s “failure to act”. Later, Panaji police took custody of the buffalo and shifted it to a govt facility at Bicholim.

During a recent gram sabha, the Taleigao panchayat informed residents about the construction of a shelter for stray animals within its jurisdiction. The panchayat administration assured the residents that this facility would begin functioning soon.


Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.