Hemaband Animal Cruelty Case: Father-Son Arrested, 126 Cattle Rescued

An earthmover removes structures from government land during the administration’s action in Hemaband village of Bemetara district on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following the animal cruelty case in which 126 cattle were rescued. (Photo: Video grab/CG DPR)

Bemetara administration removes encroachment from government land; tractor confiscation proceedings initiated

Panchayat secretary suspended for alleged negligence as three-member veterinary team probes deaths of cattle found near village

Key Highlights

• Dilip Rai and his son Sanjay Rai arrested and produced before court on judicial remand
• Case registered under provisions of BNS, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Chhattisgarh agricultural cattle protection law
• 126 cattle medically examined and shifted to gaushalas for safe shelter
• Government land allegedly occupied by accused cleared of encroachment
• Three veterinarians tasked with determining cause of death of cattle found near Hemaband
• Gram Panchayat Secretary Prakash Koshle suspended with immediate effect

The Bemetara district administration has launched stringent action in an alleged animal cruelty case at Hemaband village under Dadhi tehsil, arresting a father and son, rescuing 126 cattle and removing an alleged encroachment from government land.

The action followed a complaint that stray and roaming cattle had allegedly been confined without authorisation in the village. Taking cognisance of the complaint, the administration sent a veterinary doctor to the spot for an initial examination.

After the allegations were found prima facie to warrant action, police registered an FIR against Hemaband resident Dilip Rai, 55, and subsequently arrested him and his son Sanjay Rai, 35. The two were produced before the court for judicial remand.

According to police, the case has been registered under Sections 325 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Sections 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(j) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and Sections 4, 6 and 10 of the Chhattisgarh Krishik Pashu Parirakshan Adhiniyam.

Administration Widens Action Beyond Criminal Case

The authorities did not restrict the action to the criminal proceedings. On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the administration completed the removal of an alleged encroachment by the accused from government land.

Police have also initiated proceedings for confiscation of a tractor seized in connection with the case.

Officials said 126 cattle found at the site underwent veterinary examination before being removed from the premises and shifted to other gaushalas in Bemetara district. Veterinary specialists have been assigned to monitor their health and provide treatment wherever required.

The investigation has also widened to cover the deaths of some cattle found within the village limits. A three-member team of veterinary doctors has been constituted to conduct the necessary examinations and establish the circumstances and causes of their deaths.

Administrative accountability has also come under scrutiny. Prakash Koshle, Secretary of Gram Panchayat Hemaband, has been suspended with immediate effect for alleged negligence in discharging his official responsibilities.

The district administration said cases involving cruelty to animals, illegal occupation of government land and negligence in official duties would be dealt with strictly. It maintained that action in the Hemaband case was being taken in accordance with law and that negligence at any level would not be tolerated.

Administrative action underway at Hemaband village in Bemetara district on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as authorities remove alleged encroachment from government land following the animal cruelty case. The administration said 126 cattle were rescued and shifted to gaushalas, while two accused were arrested. (Video: CG DPR)