Traders in Malappuram Accused of Leaving Cattle to Die for Insurance Claims

In a shocking revelation, traders in Malappuram, Kerala, are accused of a cruel practice where cattle are allegedly left to die in order to claim insurance money. The situation has been labeled by locals as "murder for money," triggering widespread protests and demands for government intervention.

As reported, dairy farmers like Rajesh N P are witnessing scenes of neglect, with once healthy cows now found starving and bound under the sun on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river. Traders are purportedly buying cows at low prices, insuring them for much larger sums and then neglecting them to perish naturally. These reports suggest insurance claims as high as Rs 80,000 for cows purchased for as little as Rs 15,000-20,000.

Activists and farmers have expressed concerns over possible complicity of local veterinary officers, while suspicious postmortem reports add to the controversy. Farmers like Sulaiman C P have recounted numerous incidents where cows have died along riverbanks, highlighting systemic cruelty and exploitation.

Dairy farmers have urged the district administration and the animal husbandry department to take action. They demand cancellation of insurance licenses for the involved traders and an independent investigation into the roles of veterinary staff, advocating for legal proceedings under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Officials are reportedly initiating inquiries into these claims, with promises of strict action if malpractice is confirmed. The scandal underscores a dire need for regulatory oversight and accountability to protect both animal welfare and the integrity of the agricultural community.