Police complaint over baby goats’ death in Purnia village

PURNIA : Three baby goats died when their mother was caught by the owner’s neighbour and kept tied up, resulting in starvation for the newborn animals.

The owner, 45-year-old Janardan Bosak — a resident of Abhaypur village under Rauta police station, about 80km from the district headquarters — lodged a police complaint on Wednesday against his neighbour Jamun Bosak. The latter had allegedly captured the animal when it strayed into his paddy field.

“My goat had given birth to three kids only a day ago. When I came to know that Jamun had caught [the goat], I requested him to untie it at least for some time, so that it could feed its three newborn kids,” said Janardan. “Despite my repeated requests, he wouldn’t untie it. And after some time, all the three kids died of starvation.”

The complainant alleged that he was also physically assaulted by the accused and his family, who allegedly threatened to kill him as well as the animal. Janardan alleged that Jamun was a habitual drunkard and often created trouble in the village.

Before approaching the police, Janardan went to the village sarpanch and he later held a meeting, but Jamun did not obey the village head’s verdict and did not bother to attend the meeting.

“At last, I approached the police station and sought justice,” said Janardan. “Goat rearing has been my [livelihood] and it has sustained my family through thick and thin,” added the father of four.

Station house officer Manutosh Kumar said, “We have received complaints from both sides and we are looking into it. An FIR will be lodged after preliminary investigation.”