Rajkot women throw acid on stray bulls for ‘harassing their cows’

RAJKOT: A case of animal cruelty has surfaced in Lodhika taluka of Rajkot district, where two women were arrested for allegedly attacking eight to 10 stray bulls with acid, saying "the bulls were harassing their cows".

The attack allegedly took place on March 29 near Gate 2 of the Metoda GIDC industrial estate. A police complaint was filed on Tuesday at Metoda GIDC police station by Ravi Mori, 18, a CNC operator who also volunteers with an animal welfare group.

According to Mori's complaint, he learned that stray bulls on a street near Diamond Park Society had suffered acid burns. On making inquiries, the names of Deepa Rathod and Shobhna Udesha, residents of Shrinathji Park Society, emerged as the alleged perpetrators.

DySP K G Zala of Gondal division confirmed the arrests and the motive behind the act. Speaking to mediapersons, he said both accused women, who keep cattle at their homes, admitted to pouring acid on the bulls out of frustration. The women told police that the bulls were "harassing their cows". Police sources said the accused are sisters-in-law and that both families are engaged in animal husbandry.

Police registered a case against the women under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 325 (mischief by maiming animal) and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The injured bulls are undergoing treatment. The incident has sparked outrage among animal welfare activists.