Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 23: A major controversy has broken out in Goa's Zambaulim after the Dhyan Foundation alleged that temporary cattle sheds at its gaushala were demolished late on Tuesday night, resulting in injuries to several rescued cows and forcing many others to flee into the adjoining forest.

According to the foundation, nearly 300 rescued cattle had recently been relocated to a newly developed gaushala in Zambaulim after it obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Shree Damodar Zambaulim Devasthan in mid-February and completed construction of the facility.

The organisation said the animals had been rescued from the Sanguem, Curchorem and Quepem regions after being saved from road accidents, illegal transportation and slaughter.

The relocation, however, drew objections from a section of local residents and some members of the temple management, who questioned the legality of the gaushala and claimed that the land was not meant for such use.

The Dhyan Foundation alleged that a group of individuals entered the premises late on Tuesday night and used heavy machinery to demolish the temporary cattle sheds. It claimed that several cows were injured during the incident, while many others ran into the nearby forest, making rescue operations difficult.

Videos and photographs purportedly showing damaged sheds and distressed cattle were widely circulated on social media following the incident.

The foundation lodged a complaint with the Quepem Police, naming individuals allegedly linked to the temple management, including the president of the Devasthan. The complaint alleges trespass, destruction of property and cruelty to animals.

Police have registered an FIR under Sections 351(2), 329(3), 126(2), 127(2), 303(2), 324(2), 238(c), 189(3) and 131 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. An investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, the Shree Damodar Zambaulim Temple Devasthan has denied any involvement in the alleged demolition.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Devasthan president Manjunath Dhukle rejected the allegations that the temple committee had orchestrated the demolition of the cattle sheds.

Dhukle, however, alleged that the Dhyan Foundation had constructed seven to eight sheds on Devasthan land without obtaining permission. He said the temple committee had already filed a complaint against the NGO over the alleged encroachment.

Refuting the foundation's allegation that the Devasthan had engaged "goons" to demolish the structures, Dhukle maintained that the temple management had no role in the incident.

He further said the Devasthan had granted permission to the NGO in 2015 to construct only one cattle shed on the property and claimed that the agreement had since expired.

"The NGO has erected additional sheds on the property without permission," Dhukle said, adding that the issue would be discussed at the Devasthan's meeting scheduled for Sunday.