Protest in Ratlam after dead calf found, SIT to probe

Indore: A dead calf, stuffed in a sack and dumped in a garbage pile near a garden by Amrit Sagar lake in Ratlam, led to a major protest by Hindu organisations on Saturday afternoon. The groups protested accusing the local administration of failing to curb illegal cattle rearing and unauthorised meat shops in the city.The protesters placed the calf's carcass at Bajna bus stand crossroads to stage a blockade. After blocking the road for about 45 minutes, they began marching toward civic body corporation office with the dead calf's body. Municipal commissioner Anil Bhana and other officials intercepted the protesters at the Lakkadpeetha area. A tense stand-off ensued with the protesters shouting slogans against the administration.Vishva Hindu Parishad, Gau Raksha, state head Yogesh Chauhan said that the calf's body appeared to be three to four days old and was mauled by dogs. He demanded action against those who abandon their animals in garbage dumps after they die. He also raised concerns about the presence of numerous illegal meat shops in the city, in addition to the 35 licensed ones.CSP Satyendra Ghanghoria said, "We have assured them that their demands will be addressed. A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident."After the protest was called off, municipal corporation officials dug a pit near the site, where the calf was found and buried the body after a veterinary doctor examined it.

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