Blaze at Khadi village kills 60 goats, injures two cows

A fierce blaze engulfed two cattle sheds belonging to Liyak Ram, leaving 60 goats dead and two cows badly injured at Khadi village of Shankholi panchayat on the night of Budhi Diwali. The incident unfolded around 2 am, barely an hour after Layak Ram had checked on his livestock and returned home.

Residents said Layak Ram stepped outside around 2.45 am and saw both cowsheds wrapped in flames. His call for help brought over three dozen villagers to the spot, but the fire had already become uncontrollable by the time efforts to extinguish it began.

Flames claimed the lives of 30 goats, 25 she-goats and five lambs, while two cows suffered severe burn injuries. Layak Ram immediately informed the Animal Husbandry Department, prompting a veterinary team to reach the site during the night. The police and revenue officials were alerted at around 4 am and arrived shortly afterwards.

Villagers estimate the total loss, including livestock and structures, to be close to Rs 15 lakh. The administration, after an on-site assessment, has placed the damage at approximately Rs 8.5 lakh.

Naib Tehsildar Ronhat, Jai Kishan Singh, confirmed the findings and said Rs 10,000 had been provided to the family affected as relief. He added the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, though villagers believe stray fireworks from Diwali celebrations may have triggered the blaze.