High-level inquiry ordered into the death of 7 cows in Panvel : Industries Minister Uday Samant

Assures strict action against those found guilty

Mumbai, 25 June : The death of seven innocent cows due to suspected poisoning allegedly caused by the negligent functioning of the CIDCO dumping ground at Ghot village in Panvel taluka of Raigad district was discussed in the Legislative Council. Responding to a Calling Attention Motion moved by BJP MLA Vikrant Patil on 25 June, Industries Minister Uday Samant announced that a high-level inquiry would be conducted by appointing a divisional-level committee. He assured the House, “Strict legal action will be taken against everyone found guilty in this case.”

MLA Vikrant Patil said that the incident had triggered widespread anger among cow devotees, as pregnant cows were also among the dead animals. Water samples collected from the area revealed levels of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand), and harmful bacteria such as E. coli far exceeding the permissible limits, indicating that the water sources had become contaminated. Despite such a serious incident, an attempt was allegedly made to suppress the matter without conducting post-mortem examinations of the animals, while the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board completely ignored the issue. He demanded a high-level inquiry, registration of criminal cases against those responsible for suppressing the incident, and immediate financial compensation for the affected cattle owners.

Responding to the discussion, Industries Minister Uday Samant said, “Maharashtra is the first State in the country to have conferred the sacred status of ‘Rajya Mata’ upon the cow. We all have deep reverence and faith towards Gomata. Therefore, such a loss of cattle will not be tolerated under any circumstances. A joint inquiry will be conducted by the Divisional Commissioner and the Transport Officer to determine the exact cause of the cows’ deaths. Orders have also been issued to prepare an independent report to ascertain why and how the water sources in the area became contaminated due to the CIDCO dumping ground. In addition, Animal Husbandry Department officials will be consulted immediately to determine why post-mortem examinations of the dead cows were not conducted despite such a serious incident. Those responsible for negligence and for attempting to suppress the matter will also be identified.”