Mysterious Animal Attack Sparks Forest Department Action in Gandhinagar
The state forest department has launched intensive surveillance operations in areas surrounding Gandhinagar's Palaj village after two buffalo calves were killed by an unidentified animal last week. The incident, which occurred approximately 37 kilometers from Ahmedabad, has prompted officials to take precautionary measures including setting up cages and conducting night patrols.
Incident Details and Initial Response
Early on November 14, two buffalo calves were found dead at the stable of Jashwantsinh Bihola, the former Sarpanch of Palaj village. The village is located about 10-12 kilometers from Gandhinagar city center. According to Bihola, the buffaloes and their calves were tethered inside the stable when the attack occurred.
"The two buffalo calves were found killed on Friday morning," Bihola told reporters. "Some dogs were barking at that time in the night. Hearing the sound, I woke up and used a torch but did not find anything except for two pigs. I thought the dogs were barking because of the pigs, so I went to sleep again."
The situation came to light the next morning when farm workers arrived to milk the buffaloes and discovered the dead calves. Bihola immediately informed the forest department about the incident, suggesting that a leopard might have been responsible for the killings.
Forest Department's Investigation and Findings
In response to the incident, the forest department initiated comprehensive surveillance measures beginning November 14. Ravirajsinh Rathod, Deputy Conservator of Forest in Gandhinagar, explained their approach: "We have been putting up a cage and our staff has been doing night patrolling. We are also doing early morning visits and have searched the area in a two-kilometer radius."
Despite these extensive efforts, officials have found no evidence of wild animals in the area. The department has examined the pattern of the kill and concluded that dogs were likely responsible rather than leopards or other wild cats.
Rathod elaborated on their findings: "Leopard or any other wild cat would pierce its nails into the body of the prey and would also puncture its neck. Here, the bodies have been scratched repeatedly which is generally done by dogs. We have scanned the entire area but have not found any pug marks except those of dogs."
Ongoing Precautions and Compensation Policy
Despite the evidence pointing toward dogs, the forest department continues its surveillance as a precautionary measure. Rathod stated they are maintaining vigilance "to remove any doubt from people's minds about the presence of any wild animal."
The department has set up a cage with bait near the spot where the calves were killed and continues night patrolling in the area. This proactive approach reflects the department's commitment to addressing community concerns while gathering more evidence.
An important aspect of this incident involves compensation policies. In cases where wild animals kill cattle, the cattle owner is entitled to receive compensation from the forest department. This policy underscores the department's responsibility in managing human-wildlife conflict situations, though in this case, the evidence currently suggests domestic animals were responsible.
The forest department's thorough response demonstrates their systematic approach to investigating such incidents while maintaining public safety and addressing community concerns in the Gandhinagar region.
