16 cow carcasses dumped in pits, dogs feed on remains:Gaushala and civic body avoid accountability in Rajgarh; cold hunger blamed for deaths

Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh, one of the coldest districts in the state, is witnessing a crisis for both humans and animals. In January, temperatures dropped to 2°C. In just three days, 16 cows died due to cold, hunger, and poor management. The carcasses were dumped in a pit, one on top of another, where dogs were seen tearing at them. Investigations reveal severe neglect and mismanagement of the city’s cattle. Horrific scene at trenching ground The Dainik Bhaskar team visited the municipality’s trenching ground, located about 2 km from the city on Patan Road. Cow carcasses lay in a pit, piled on top of each other. Some had already turned into skeletons. Dogs roamed freely, tearing at the flesh. Other cows searched for food by tearing open polythene bags and eating plastic. Officials respond after video goes viral After a video of the carcasses surfaced, former Energy Minister and Congress District President Priyavrat Singh visited the site. He expressed deep concern at the inhumane treatment. He contacted CMO Pawan Awasthi, who later came to the spot with Tehsildar Anil Sharma. A JCB was used to bury the carcasses. Officials arrive to bury carcasses Former Energy Minister and Congress District President Priyavrat Singh visited the site. He said, “Cows are dying continuously, and their carcasses are being treated inhumanely.” He called CMO Pawan Awasthi and expressed his displeasure: CMO sir, here in a pit, 20 to 25 cow carcasses are lying. Dogs are tearing at them. There is no gate at the trenching ground. Polythene is all around, which cows are eating. What exactly is the municipality doing? The CMO promised to come immediately. Meanwhile, a sub-inspector reached the spot with a JCB. Soon, CMO Pawan Awasthi and Tehsildar Anil Sharma arrived. Using the JCB, the carcasses were buried properly. Conversation between former minister CMO Former Minister: How did so many cows die, and why was no action taken? CMO: These cows belonged to the cowshed. Former Minister: Which cowshed? Employee: Sankat Mochan Gaushala. Six cows died on Sunday, two on Monday, and eight on Tuesday. A total of 16 in three days. Former Minister: Despite this, no action was taken. Hundreds of cows are eating polythene. Have you inspected the cowshed? CMO: No, I did not inspect it. Former Minister: File a complaint at the police station and Tehsil office. Tehsildar, the investigation is already underway. Why has the situation not improved? Send a written report to the SDM. Dire conditions at Sankat Mochan Gaushala The team visited the cowshed to verify the facts. The enclosure included an open area, a tin shed, and a fodder storage room. Many cows were standing in the cold, while others warmed themselves by bonfires. The fodder storage was empty. A sick cow was found lying unattended. The Gaushala president, Chetram Gurjar, clarified that the cows that died were not from their shelter. The facility currently cares for 195 cows. Financial constraints due to frozen accounts delayed fodder purchases. Cows suffer from cold and hunger Dr. Praveen Kumar Dixit, Deputy Director of Rajgarh Animal Husbandry, confirmed that cows die due to malnutrition and extreme cold. Many stray cows consume polythene, which prevents proper digestion and leads to illness. Only two cows died in the Gaushala; the rest died elsewhere in the city. Conflicting reports from municipality Sanitation In-charge Giriraj Kalosia said the dead cows were brought from the Gaushala. In three days, 15–16 cows were transported to the trenching ground. The municipality maintains a record of these operations. However, the discrepancy between official statements and on-site reports raises questions about mismanagement. Urgent need for action The incident highlights negligence in managing the welfare of cows in Rajgarh. Officials need to provide adequate fodder, shelter, and medical care. A prompt and impartial investigation has been demanded by political leaders to prevent further deaths.