National symbol at risk: police investigate cow cruelty in Nepal

KATHMANDU– Residents of Ward No. 6 in Jagannath Rural Municipality, Bajura, have come under police scrutiny for allegedly beating a cow and attempting to throw it into the Karnali River.

The District Administration Office has instructed the police to summon those involved, including the ward chairperson, to the district headquarters for further investigation.

A video recently surfaced on social media showing a group of people, who had attended a funeral, beating a cow and attempting to push it into the river. According to Ward Chairperson Dhan Bahadur Sarki, it is a traditional practice in the community to offer a cow as part of funeral rites (*gaudan*) and then drive the cow across the Karnali River.

Following the video’s release, the District Administration Office and police expressed serious concern. Chief District Officer Meghnath Pandey confirmed that the police have already been deployed to investigate the incident. “We have instructed the police to bring those involved to the district headquarters, and action will follow once their statements are recorded,” Pandey stated. “The individuals said they would come after completing the funeral rituals.”

According to Pandey, although the cow was harmed and an attempt was made to push it into the river, it managed to return to the village and is now safe. “The cow is currently secure in the village,” he noted. “As a national animal, it is illegal to treat a cow in such a violent manner.”

This incident has raised significant concerns about the treatment of national symbols and the balance between cultural traditions and animal welfare. It has also prompted discussions on revisiting certain traditional practices in light of modern ethical standards.