Puri: Officers of Odisha’s Satyabadi police station in Puri district were taken aback when hundreds of farmers from Balapur panchayat lodged written complaints, seeking police intervention against the stray bulls.

Farmers gathered outside the police station carrying the complaints, expressing frustration over the repeated destruction of their crops by stray cattle. They said their rabi crops, including black gram and green gram, as well as the standing paddy crop, have been severely affected by the animals.

The farmers alleged they have been struggling to protect their crops after investing considerable time, effort and money in cultivation. They said the situation has become particularly difficult as there is little or no grazing land, bunds or common areas left in the panchayat for cattle.

According to the farmers, the lack of grazing space is forcing stray cattle to enter agricultural fields in search of food, resulting in widespread crop damage.

Despite the complaints, legal action cannot be taken against animals in the same manner as against a human accused.
Satyabadi police station IIC Saumya Ranjan Mahalik acknowledged the seriousness of the farmers’ concerns and said their grievances were genuine. “Although a legal case cannot be filed against bulls or cattle, we have held detailed discussions with the farmers,” the IIC said.

He added the police would coordinate with the local administration, block authorities and the sarpanch to find an alternative solution to the problem.

Authorities are also considering arrangements for a temporary shelter or designated grazing facilities for stray cattle so that the animals can be managed while protecting farmers’ crops.

The police said steps would be taken soon to address the issue and ensure that farmers do not continue to suffer crop losses due to stray cattle.