A tragic incident in Kanpur has once again brought the issue of stray cattle menace into sharp focus. A 50-year-old farmer and priest lost his life after being brutally attacked by a stray bull in the Maharajpur Sarsaul area.
The Fatal Attack
The victim, identified as Ashok Kumar, was engaged in a routine evening chore on Saturday. According to his nephew, Sheshnarayan, Kumar was milking the family cow when a stray bull suddenly charged at him. The attack was swift and vicious. Before Kumar could escape or defend himself, the bull lifted him with its horns, threw him multiple times, and dragged him along the road.
Family members, hearing the commotion, rushed to his aid and managed to chase the aggressive animal away. However, by then, Kumar had sustained grievous injuries. He was immediately taken to a private hospital in a critical condition. After receiving first aid, he was referred to the larger Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital (LLR Hospital) for advanced treatment.
Medical Efforts and Post-Mortem Findings
Despite the rush to the hospital, the medical intervention proved futile. When doctors at LLR Hospital examined Ashok Kumar, his body had already turned cold, indicating he had succumbed to his injuries during transit or shortly before arrival.
The Maharajpur police were informed and initiated an investigation. The body was sent for a post-mortem examination. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Chakeri, Abhishek Kumar Pandey, stated that the autopsy report revealed the severity of the attack. The post-mortem confirmed severe injuries, multiple abrasion marks on the body, and a critical head injury, which collectively led to Kumar's death.
Growing Concern Over Stray Cattle
This heartbreaking event is not an isolated one. It underscores a persistent and deadly problem plaguing rural and semi-urban areas across several Indian states: the menace of stray cattle. Farmers and residents often face the threat of injury from abandoned or roaming bulls and cows, which can turn aggressive, especially in populated areas.
The incident in Maharajpur Sarsaul has left the local community in shock and mourning. It raises urgent questions about the management of stray cattle and the implementation of effective policies to prevent such tragedies. The safety of citizens, particularly those working in open fields or on farms, remains a significant concern that demands immediate attention from local authorities.
