SANGUEM
A major controversy has erupted in Zambaulim following the relocation of a gaushala managed by the Dhyan Foundation, with a late-night demolition of cattle sheds allegedly leaving several cows injured and forcing many others to flee into the nearby forest, triggering a serious law and order concern in the area.
The dispute stems from the relocation of nearly 300 rescued cattle by the Dhyan Foundation to a newly developed gaushala at Zambaulim after the organisation reportedly obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local Devasthan in mid-February.
The cattle, which were previously housed elsewhere, were shifted to the new premises after construction of the gaushala was completed.
According to the foundation, many of the animals sheltered at the facility had been rescued from the Sanguem, Curchorem and Quepem regions.
The relocation, however, drew opposition from a section of local residents and some members of the temple management, who questioned the legality of the move and contended that the land was not intended for gaushala operations and was required for better use for some other association.
According to the Dhyan Foundation, a group of persons allegedly entered the premises late at night and demolished temporary cattle sheds using machinery.
The organisation claimed that several cows sustained injuries during the incident, while many others fled into the adjoining forest, making rescue operations difficult. Videos and photographs showing damaged sheds and distressed cattle subsequently surfaced on social media, drawing widespread attention.
Following the incident, the foundation lodged a complaint with the Quepem Police, naming individuals allegedly associated with the temple management, including the president of the local Devasthan. The complaint accuses those involved of trespass, destruction of property and cruelty towards animals.
Police have reportedly registered an FIR in connection with the incident under Sections 351(2), 329(3), 126(2), 127(2), 303(2), 324(2), 238(c), 189(3) and 131 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. An investigation is underway.
The Dhyan Foundation has been operating gaushalas in Goa for several years and claims to have rescued cattle from accidents, illegal transportation and slaughter.
The incident has now escalated beyond a land dispute into a significant law and order issue, with authorities maintaining a close watch on the situation to prevent any further escalation while investigating the allegations from all sides.
Devasthan denies demolition, says
NGO built sheds without permission
MARGAO: President of the Shree Damodar Zambaulim Temple Devasthan, Zambaulim, Manjunath Dhukle on Wednesday denied allegations that the Devasthan was behind the demolition of a cow shed at the gaushala late Tuesday night.
However, Dhukle said the NGO managing the gaushala had erected 7-8 sheds on temple property without permission from the Devasthan. He said the temple committee had already filed a complaint against the NGO for alleged encroachment.
Reacting to the NGO’s allegation that the temple committee was involved in the demolition, Dhukle questioned how the Devasthan could have hired “goons”, as claimed by the NGO, to raze the sheds. He maintained that the Devasthan had no role in the demolition.
Dhukle said the Devasthan had permitted the NGO to construct one shed on the property in 2015, but the agreement had since expired. “The NGO has erected additional sheds on the property without permission,” he said.
He added that the issue would be discussed at the Devasthan meeting scheduled on Sunday.
