Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 8: Five cows were roasted alive in a fire tragedy which occurred at Kannori in Tenkayedapadavu village in the taluk on the night of Monday July 6. The cattle shed which was consumed by flames belonged to Kushtappa Gowda from Kannori. Total loss in this incident has been estimated at five lac rupees.

The cattle shed was built of concrete. At around 11 pm, family members of Gowda heard frantic sounds made by a calf and came out of their houses to witness the horrible sight of the shed engulfed by raging flames. By then, five cows tethered inside the shed had been charred alive. Only a calf which also was tied to a pole inside the shed had succeeded in saving its life by running out as soon as its rope got snapped due to fire. Two other cows, which had been kept in the plantation adjoining the house also survived.

Out of the five cows which perished, three were milking. There are no indication of the fire having been started at the bathroom attached to the cattle shed. Walls of the shed have developed cracks because of heat. The fact that fire got ignited and spread from a heap of firewood stored on the other side of the shed has given rise to suspicion of foul play.

Malati, a member of this family, was set to take over as gram panchayat president on Wednesday She is a candidate supported by BJP. Therefore, many suspected political rivalry having played a role in this incident.

Former minister, Krishna J Palemar, visited the spot. He asked the police to conduct detailed investigation into the incident and arrest the culprits as there is likelihood of political enmity having played a role in this tragedy. He said strict police action will help stop recurrence of such mindless acts in future. Apart from consoling the grief-stricken members of the family, he promised to extend some assistance to them personally.

Deputy commissioner of police, Shantaraju, assistant police commissioner, Ravikumar, Bajpe police sub-inspector, Ramesh Hanapura, and forensic science laboratory team visited the spot and conducted investigation. Zilla panchayat member, Janardhan Gowda, Narahari Prabhu, and several other dignitaries and political leaders visited the spot and pledged solidarity with the dismayed family.