Buffalo Goes on Rampage at Khurda Fair, Injures 5 in Chaotic Scene | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: For nearly 20 minutes, a district-level fisheries and livestock fair in Khurda resembled the streets of Pamplona. But instead of the crowd trying to dodge the bulls as part of the San Fermin festival, celebrated every year in the Spanish city, visitors at the Khurda fair were scampering for dear lives as a buffalo broke free from its tether and went on a rampage.
Apparently agitated by the loud sound at the fair, the buffalo ran amok, injuring five persons and damaging several vehicles. The mayhem continued for a while before the buffalo ran out of the premises.
The incident took place around 11 am, just before the inauguration of the event, when people, including livestock farmers, had gathered to attend the meeting and witness the livestock display.
Eyewitnesses said the buffalo, belonging to the Chilika variety, was initially calm. But it became agitated as the noise level increased.
“When an angry buffalo charged straight towards the crowd, people had no option but to scream and run in every direction. I was so scared that I entered a kiosk to protect my life,” said Rabindra Swain, an eyewitness.
Chief district veterinary officer of Khurda, Debidutta Majhi, said, “The matter could have been serious, but thankfully nothing major happened. The buffalo had been loosely tied to its tether. Being a domestic animal, it had never seen so much crowd and experienced such loud noise. So, it must have got agitated and started running amok. It did not harm anyone. People got injured while trying to flee the buffalo.” The injured were given first aid and are safe, Majhi said.
The event resumed after a brief halt. “This is indeed a learning curve for the department as similar events are organised in all districts across the state. Proper precaution needs to be taken in this regard,” said Ramashis Hazra, director of fisheries and animal resources development department.
Apparently agitated by the loud sound at the fair, the buffalo ran amok, injuring five persons and damaging several vehicles. The mayhem continued for a while before the buffalo ran out of the premises.
The incident took place around 11 am, just before the inauguration of the event, when people, including livestock farmers, had gathered to attend the meeting and witness the livestock display.
Eyewitnesses said the buffalo, belonging to the Chilika variety, was initially calm. But it became agitated as the noise level increased.
“When an angry buffalo charged straight towards the crowd, people had no option but to scream and run in every direction. I was so scared that I entered a kiosk to protect my life,” said Rabindra Swain, an eyewitness.
Chief district veterinary officer of Khurda, Debidutta Majhi, said, “The matter could have been serious, but thankfully nothing major happened. The buffalo had been loosely tied to its tether. Being a domestic animal, it had never seen so much crowd and experienced such loud noise. So, it must have got agitated and started running amok. It did not harm anyone. People got injured while trying to flee the buffalo.” The injured were given first aid and are safe, Majhi said.
The event resumed after a brief halt. “This is indeed a learning curve for the department as similar events are organised in all districts across the state. Proper precaution needs to be taken in this regard,” said Ramashis Hazra, director of fisheries and animal resources development department.
