MARGAO
Five buffaloes were found dead in a field at Zamcotto, Chinchinim, on Thursday night, with electrocution suspected as the cause. The deaths have left dairy farmer Issac Leitao facing losses of around Rs 4 lakh.
Leitao told the media that he realised something was wrong when his buffaloes failed to return home. He later learnt that all five had died in the field. “I am certain that my animals died due to electrocution. I saw a snapped conductor entangled around one of the buffaloes,” he said.
He said each buffalo was worth around Rs 80,000 and urged the Power Department to investigate and rectify the fault.
Local resident Rosento Cardozo said he saw a fire in the field while the buffaloes were lying dead and immediately alerted the Power Department, following which the power supply was switched off. He demanded compensation for the affected farmers.
Cardozo said police visited the site and conducted a panchanama. He also urged the Power Department to inspect the area. Residents said two buffaloes had also died in the same fields recently, though Power officials had earlier dismissed suspicions of electrocution.
Former Chinchinim Sarpanch Ajit Kamat said he informed the local Sarpanch, police and Power officials after reaching the spot.
Cuncolim Police Station in-charge PI Diego Gracias said police were investigating the deaths. Preliminary findings suggested possible electrocution, he said, adding that the exact cause would be established after the post-mortem examination.
