A sudden and aggressive charge by a stray cow resulted in injuries to two men in Vadodara on Sunday, reigniting public anger over the city's persistent stray cattle problem. The incident occurred in the Khodiyarnagar area, where the animal reportedly rushed towards the victims' motorcycle, leading to a collision and a subsequent fall.
Details of the Khodiyarnagar Incident
According to eyewitness accounts, the two men were riding their bike when the stray cow suddenly charged at them. The impact of the collision caused the two-wheeler to slip, throwing the riders onto the road. Passers-by immediately rushed to help the injured men, but their efforts were hampered by the cow's continued aggressive behaviour, which left several locals frightened and unable to intervene safely.
Public Frustration with Civic Authorities
The event quickly drew sharp criticism from residents directed at the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC). Locals expressed their frustration over the civic body's perceived failure to address the long-standing issue of stray cattle roaming freely on city streets, which poses a constant threat to motorists and pedestrians alike.
Echoing this sentiment, social worker Atul Gamechi pointed out the administrative shortcomings. "Despite spending significant funds every year, the VMC has failed to control the stray cattle menace," Gamechi stated, highlighting the gap between municipal expenditure and effective results on the ground.
A Persistent City-Wide Problem
This is not an isolated event but part of a broader, unresolved challenge in Vadodara. Stray cattle are a common sight on many roads, leading to frequent accidents, traffic disruptions, and now, aggressive encounters that endanger public safety. The incident in Khodiyarnagar serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a more effective and permanent solution from the authorities to ensure the safety of the city's residents.