Around 170 sheep died under mysterious circumstances near the newly inaugurated Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, prompting the police to send samples for testing to determine the cause of death.
The incident
has raised serious concerns, with questions being asked about whether the deaths were caused by negligence, poisoning, or some larger conspiracy. Samples from the carcasses have been sent for post-mortem examination, Madiaon station house officer Shivanand Mishra told news agency PTI.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the matter and has ordered a probe. The state government has also announced compensation of Rs 10,000 per sheep.
In an application submitted to Madiaon police station, Charu Khare, founder of Aasra The Helping Hands Trust (NGO) said around 170 sheep have suddenly died in the area around the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal days after an event was held there.
Prima facie, it is not clear whether these sheep died after consuming waste material or some unknown person had allegedly given poison to them, Khare told the news agency.
Demanding a thorough probe, she said that the post-mortem examination of the dead sheep must be conducted to ascertain the reasons leading to the mysterious death of the sheep.
“If any laxity is found or there is a confirmation of poison being given, then strict action should be taken against the accused. Our organisation will extend all possible help in the probe,” Khare said.
She also said that the incident is “very serious” and “sensitive”, and the possibility of cruelty towards animals and laxity cannot be ruled out.
(With inputs from agencies)
