Major Fire Destroys Fodder Worth Rs 2.2 Crore at Bengaluru Goshala
A devastating fire broke out at a private goshala near Bidarahalli in east Bengaluru on March 17, completely gutting two fodder godowns and destroying dry grass valued at over Rs 2.2 crore. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of the shelter's 1,158 rescued cows and the sustainability of the facility.
Shelter Houses Over 1,100 Rescued Cows
Pukhraj Maharaj, 41, who has been operating Shri Krishna Goshala for seven years, revealed that the shelter provides refuge to 1,158 cows rescued from slaughterhouses with assistance from various organizations and police departments. The facility relies heavily on support from devotees and government assistance to maintain operations.
The goshala had stocked dry fodder for nearly a year, procured from farmers in Doddaballapur, Devanahalli, Sathanur, Bagalur, and surrounding areas. This extensive supply was intended to sustain the large bovine population through different seasons.
Fire Erupts During Fodder Procurement Mission
On the fateful day of March 17, Maharaj had left the premises with workers to procure additional fodder near Hunsur village. Minutes after their departure, a worker alerted Maharaj's daughter about the fire emergency. Maharaj immediately rushed back to find two fodder storage units completely engulfed in flames.
Emergency responders worked diligently to shift all cows to a safe location while firefighters battled the intense blaze for several hours. The quick evacuation prevented any harm to the animals, though the property damage was substantial.
Owner Suspects Deliberate Sabotage
Maharaj has alleged that unidentified persons deliberately set fire to the stored fodder, suggesting malicious intent behind the destruction. This claim has prompted a thorough police investigation into the incident's circumstances.
A senior police officer confirmed that forensic science officials have collected samples from the burnt fodder remains for detailed analysis. "If the remains contain traces of petrol or diesel, it will confirm sabotage," the officer stated, highlighting the critical nature of the forensic examination.
Investigation Underway as Facility Assesses Damage
The police investigation continues as authorities work to determine the fire's exact cause and identify potential suspects. Meanwhile, the goshala management faces the daunting task of replenishing the destroyed fodder supply to ensure the continued care of their rescued bovine population.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of animal shelters and agricultural storage facilities to both accidental and intentional destruction, raising questions about security measures for such vital community resources.
