Panic grips Niali as over 200 sheep die in last two months under mysterious circumstances

26 June, Cuttack (Odisha)

Panic gripped the villages in and around Niali area of the district after over 200 sheep were found dead under mysterious circumstances during the last two months. Failure of the authorities and the local people to identify the killer behind the massacre of sheep was giving rise to spread of various rumours.

Villagers were so afraid that they did not dare to venture out during the night hours. Some villagers have started guarding the village to nab thekiller animal but they have not been able to spot it.

Some people have also posted imaginary photo of the killer animal in various social media.While some local people said that a mysterious animal with a human body and head of a hyena was killing the sheep, others said awild animal was behind the killing of the sheep.

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Damodar Rout described the photo circulated in social media as well the allegation that a mysterious animal was killing the sheep a rumour and said a hyena was suspected to have been behind the killing.

He said Chief District Veterinary Officer (CDVO), Cuttack, has been askedto submit a report on the death of domestic animals. Cuttack District Collector Nirmal Mishra ordered for the constitution of team to investigate the killing of sheep.

He said CCTV cameras will be installed at sensitive places, if needed to trace the killer animal. Cuttack District Superintendent of Police (Rural )Madhab Chandra Sahoo said as per the primary investigation the sheep were killed by a wild animal.

The SP said village defence guard comprising village youths and police will be formed to keep a watch on the situation and assistance of the cyber cell would be taken to identify the people using social media to create panicamong the people . He warned that stern action would be taken against therumour mongers.