FIR against 90 people in Bareilly for blocking UP animal husbandry minister's convoy with stray cattles

In a unusual incident, an FIR has been filed against 90 unidentified individuals on Sunday for obstructing the convoy of UP's animal husbandry minister, Dharampal Singh, by deliberately allowing stray cattle to block the road in Bareilly.

As per a TOI report, on August 17, a group of farmers from Pipariya Uprala village in the Sirauli area took action to halt the road when the minister, accompanied by additional chief secretary Rajneesh Dubey, was en route to attend the inauguration of an animal polyclinic in Aonla region, which falls within the minister's jurisdiction. The procession found itself stuck for more than half an hour due to the blockade.

An anonymous local farmer stated, "It has been over a year since Singh took over the animal husbandry ministry, but his commitment to eradicating the issue of stray cattle remains unfulfilled. The farmers chose to halt his convoy in order to bring attention to this matter, as we had grown weary of repeatedly filing complaints. Even if they decide to imprison us for this action, we are undeterred."


Back in April 2022, Singh had unveiled a "100-day plan" to tackle the problem of stray cattle. However, as per the locals, while he introduced certain initiatives like establishing fodder banks and cow shelters, "none of these measures were effectively put into practice on the ground."

Addressing the issue in a press conference on Monday, Singh said, "This is a deliberate attempt by the opposition to tarnish our government's image. We are making sincere efforts to address the challenge posed by stray cattle. The chief minister has already instructed relevant officials to set up cow shelters in all blocks of the state."

Following a complaint filed by veterinary officer Sanjay Kumar Verma from Sirauli, an FIR was lodged, citing IPC section 341 (wrongful restraint). The police are currently reviewing videos of the incident, which were widely circulated online, to identify the individuals involved.

Rajkumar Agarwal, Additional SP (rural), stated, "We are in the process of identifying the culprits. After a thorough investigation, a formal charge sheet will be submitted in the case."