Goat ownership row lands Balasore police in a fix; dispute unresolved even after 48 hours

The Nilagiri police in Odisha's Balasore district has landed in an unusual situation over the ownership of a goat, which has remained unresolved even after 48 hours. The case involves two individuals claiming the ownership of a goat, leading to heated arguments inside the police station.

According to the complaint, Monalisa Das, a resident of Sanaata had lost her goat a month ago. Later she received information that the goat was at the house of Karuna- a relative of the second complainant in the Gudi Khandia area. This led to a heated argument between both parties, following which a complaint was lodged at the police station.

"I came here to feed my goat, as she is pregnant. I have not eaten since last night. I don't want to lose my goat once again. I call her Kuni with love, and she responds to it," said Monalisa.

On the other hand, the second claimant Mama Bindhani has accused Monalisa of stealing her goat, when she was not around.

"She has forcefully brought my goat when I was not present in the house. The villagers have also confirmed me about the stealing, after which I came to file a complaint in the police station," said the second claimant.

In an attempt to identify the owner, the police released the goat in the presence of both claimants. However, as the animal did not go to either of them, it was kept in the police station.

Today, when one of the claimants brought cabbage leaves to feed the goat, the police first checked the food.

“We have examined the food to check for any poisonous substances,” said the police constable, Krushna Chandra Mahalik.

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Meanwhile, the police have given both parties three days time to produce proof of ownership.

"Both individuals are claiming ownership of the goat, but neither of them has concrete evidence. Since we have no clear evidence, we have asked them to submit relevant proofs within three days." said the SDPO Pramod Kumar Malik.