Seven sheep died under suspicious circumstances inside a cattle shed in Patharadhiha village under Delanga block in Puri district late Tuesday night.
The animals belonged to farmer Gobinda Behera, who discovered the carcasses in his shed.
Gobinda kept his livestock in the shed as usual, but during the night, unknown animals or miscreants allegedly attacked the sheep. Veterinary officials reported that injuries to the abdomen led to the deaths. The sudden loss left Gobinda deeply worried about his livelihood.
Delanga Block Veterinary Officer Prititosh Mahapatra directed Livestock Inspector Bijay Kumar Swain to visit the site. Swain conducted a preliminary investigation and spoke with the farmer about the incident. Officials confirmed that further examination would continue to determine the exact cause.
Former Chaipur Panchayat sarpanch Pradyumna Kumar Parida demanded government support for the farmers. He urged authorities to provide compensation and assistance to protect livestock owners in the region.
The suspicious deaths created fear among villagers. Residents expressed concern about whether wild animals were responsible or whether miscreants carried out the attack. Anxiety spread across the area, with many farmers worried about the safety of their own cattle.
