Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Cattle Deaths at Bilaspur Shelter Spark Toll Dispute
Six cattle died at a temporary shelter in Chhattisgarh after heavy rain.
Officials said three died on Saturday and three on Sunday.
They believe the animals became sick because they could not graze and were surrounded by mud and dirty water.
About 300 cattle were living at the shelter.
Veterinarians checked all of them and are watching their health.
Villagers said the number of deaths was much higher, at about 30.
The village head was told to separate the animals into different places.
Officials also said the cattle should be taken out for grazing when possible.
The district collector ordered an investigation to find out what really happened.
Six cattle died over two days at a temporary shelter in Jhalmala village, Bilaspur district.
Veterinary officials suspected restricted grazing, mud, dirty water, cold exposure and illness after heavy rain.
Officials said about 300 cattle were at the shelter and all were medically checked.
Villagers claimed 30 cattle died, including 23 on Saturday and seven on Sunday.
The Bilaspur collector ordered officials to establish the facts and improve the cattle's arrangements.
- Who
- Six cattle died, while villagers claimed about 30 died; veterinary officials and the Bilaspur district administration responded.
- What
- Cattle deaths at a temporary shelter have led to conflicting tolls and an official fact-finding effort.
- When
- The deaths occurred over two days, Saturday and Sunday, before the report dated September 28.
- Where
- A temporary cattle shelter in Jhalmala village in the Sipat area of Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh.
- Why
- Officials suspected heavy rainfall, restricted grazing, mud accumulation, dirty water, cold exposure and illness.
Officials' Account
Villagers' Account
Number of cattle deaths
Officials' Account
Veterinary officials recorded six deaths over Saturday and Sunday.
Villagers' Account
Villagers claimed approximately 30 cattle died, with 23 deaths on Saturday and seven on Sunday.
Condition and response at the shelter
Officials' Account
Officials said heavy rain caused mud and dirty water, and recommended separating the cattle and allowing grazing.
Villagers' Account
The villagers' reported toll indicates they viewed the situation as substantially more severe than the official account.
- Official death toll
- Six cattle: three on Saturday and three on Sunday.
- Villagers' claim
- Around 30 cattle died, including 23 on Saturday and seven on Sunday.
- Shelter population
- Approximately 300 cattle were present during the veterinary inspection.
- Suspected causes
- Lack of grazing, waterlogging, mud, dirty water, cold exposure and illness after continuous rainfall.
- Medical response
- Veterinary doctors examined all the cattle and began monitoring their health.
- Administrative action
- Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal directed officials to ascertain the facts.
- Shelter instructions
- The village sarpanch was told to separate the cattle and arrange grazing.