An unusual conflict over the ownership of a buffalo and its calf was finally settled by police in Kota's Kunhadi area on Saturday, thanks to scientific intervention. The dispute arose when two local men laid claim to the same animals, forcing authorities to turn to veterinary experts for a definitive answer.
The Conflicting Claims
Ram Lal, a resident of Narayan Vihar, reported that his buffalo and its young calf had been missing for nearly a month. After an extensive search, he allegedly found the animals two days ago tied up inside the property of Indrajit Kewat in Ramchandrapura Margiya Basti. Ram Lal immediately confronted Indrajit, asserting the livestock was his.
However, Indrajit Kewat firmly denied the claim. He countered that he had purchased the buffalo from Badi village approximately two years prior and stated the animal was around seven years old. With both parties sticking to their stories, the matter escalated, leading them to file a formal report at the Kunhadi police station.
Scientific Intervention Breaks the Deadlock
Kunhadi Circle Inspector Kaushalya explained that the preliminary inquiry yielded no mutual resolution. "Both sides presented their claims. Ram Lal insisted the buffalo was four to five years old and had recently given birth, while Indrajit maintained it was seven," the officer said. Given the impasse, police decided to seek an expert opinion.
A veterinary medical board was promptly formed. The buffalo was transported to the government veterinary hospital in Mokhapada for a thorough biological examination. Veterinarians conducted a detailed check, focusing on the animal's teeth and overall physical condition.
The medical findings were conclusive: the doctors determined the buffalo was approximately four to five years old, not seven as claimed by Indrajit Kewat. This scientific evidence directly supported Ram Lal's version of events.
Resolution and Aftermath
Armed with the veterinary report, Kota police confirmed Ram Lal as the rightful owner. The buffalo and its calf were officially handed over to him late on Saturday evening. Police stated that Indrajit was dissatisfied with the decision and was asked to provide proof of purchase or any evidence to bolster his claim. When he failed to produce any, the animals were released to Ram Lal.
Ram Lal later disclosed that he had bought the buffalo just four months ago. He estimated the market value of the adult animal to be around Rs 80,000, with the calf worth about Rs 10,000.
Police officials highlighted that the matter was amicably resolved through scientific verification, preventing any potential escalation or violence. In a curious twist, Indrajit Kewat also reported that one of his own buffaloes and a calf were missing, adding another layer to the incident.
