Jhansi, Jul 26 (IANS): Seven cows died of suffocation while three others were injured when they were allegedly locked inside Panchayat Bhawan building in Sudamapuri village on Thursday.
While some of the villagers alleged that the cows had deliberately been locked in the building, the authorities said that the cattle entered the building on their own to escape the rain.
According to reports, residents found the corpses on Thursday evening and informed the police.
Jhansi Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Kumar Diwedi rushed to the spot along with a veterinary doctor.
Anoop Kumar Dubey, Station officer of Charkhari in Jhansi said, "The gram pradhan has submitted an application. We are investigating whether the cows entered the building on their own or someone deliberately locked them inside."