50 cow carcasses found mutilated | Chief Secretary orders 24×7 CCTV monitoring of all cow shelters

As per the complaint, due to lack of proper fodder, drinking water, medical care and adequate shelter, several cattle reportedly died. During the inspection on January 13, the cattle were found suffering from cold, hunger and illness. Around 50 to 60 cattle were found dead at the spot, and no veterinary doctor or treatment facility was available at the time, according to the complaint. Police officials said an investigation into the matter is in progress.

The Chief Secretary carried out an inspection of gaushalas located at Raipur Kalan and two in the Industrial Area, besides the incinerator and the Animal Birth Control Centre at Raipur Kalan, to review the arrangements and facilities being provided for the care, upkeep and welfare of cattle and dogs. He also instructed that all gaushala premises must be maintained in a neat and hygienic condition at all times to ensure proper care and welfare of the animals.

During the visit, the Chief Secretary interacted with officers and staff deployed at the gaushalas and issued specific directions to further strengthen monitoring and transparency in their functioning. He asked the shelters to ensure that all essential facilities related to proper living conditions, feeding and drinking water are available for the cattle.

Referring to the incinerator installed in Makhan Majra centre, he said it had remained non-functional for a few days due to a technical defect and could not be repaired immediately. However, he assured that the issue is being rectified and the incinerator will be made operational at the earliest.

To ensure effective management and accountability, the Chief Secretary directed that complete details of manpower deployed at the gaushalas, including veterinary doctors and supporting staff, along with their daily duty rosters, be prominently displayed at each facility.

Emphasising the importance of surveillance, he reiterated that CCTV monitoring must be strictly adhered to and reviewed periodically to ensure transparency and prevent any lapses in management.

Reacting to the incident, senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon termed the discovery of dozens of cattle carcasses at the Municipal Corporation-run gaushala as “shocking and unacceptable.”

He said reports of mutilated carcasses, with missing eyes, hooves and horns, were deeply disturbing and have triggered public outrage.

In a statement, Tandon described the mass death of cows as a “tragic and unacceptable loss” and stressed that those entrusted with the safety and care of animals must be held fully accountable. He said that although the Municipal Corporation has suspended some officials and ordered an inquiry, it must be taken to its logical conclusion with complete transparency.

“The reasons behind these deaths must be clearly established. Any foul play should be exposed and those responsible must face strict action,” he said.

Protest disrupts traffic in Sector 26

Cow vigilantes staged a protest at the Sector-26 Transport light point after bringing the body of a dead calf to the road, leading to traffic disruption.

The protesters raised slogans demanding a ban on cow slaughter and strict action against cattle smuggling. Long queues of vehicles were seen, causing inconvenience to commuters.

According to locals, a resident had gone to arrange a vehicle to bury the calf, but before he returned, the agitated crowd carried the carcass to the intersection, triggering chaos and rumours of smuggling.

The Chandigarh Police reached the spot, held talks with the protesters and managed the situation. Police personnel remained deployed to restore traffic and maintain law and order.