Surat : In a shocking incident, a team from the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) tasked with catching stray cattle was attacked by a group of herders in the Pandesara area on Wednesday morning. The attack, which reportedly stemmed from an argument over the capture of the animals, left one SMC employee injured and hospitalized.
Chaos Erupts as Cattle Catchers Arrive:
According to reports, the SMC team arrived in Pandesara early in the morning to address complaints about stray cattle roaming freely in the area. As they began rounding up the animals, herders gathered at the scene and a heated argument ensued. The situation quickly escalated when the herders, armed with wooden sticks, attacked the SMC workers.
Violence Ensues, Leaving One Injured:
The attack sent shockwaves through the onlookers as women and men joined the herders in targeting the SMC team. In the ensuing chaos, one SMC employee sustained a head injury and was rushed to the Civil Hospital for treatment.
Police Investigate, Seek to Apprehend Attackers:
The Pandesara police have registered a case in connection with the attack and are currently investigating the incident. They are reportedly looking to identify and apprehend the individuals involved in the assault.
Calls for Protection and Strict Action:
In the wake of the attack, there have been widespread calls for the SMC to provide police protection for its cattle catching teams. Additionally, residents and animal rights activists have demanded strict action against the herders who perpetrated the violence.
Stray Cattle Woes Plague Surat:
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of stray cattle management in Surat. The city, like many others across India, grapples with the issue of large numbers of stray animals roaming freely, causing damage to property and posing a potential threat to public safety. While catching and relocating stray cattle is essential for public safety, clashes between municipal authorities and herders are not uncommon.
