A shocking incident in Ilam has left many worried after meat was cut from a live ox. This is not the first time such an act has happened. In the past, several oxen have died due to repeated meat cutting.
The incident took place in Kanyam, Suryodaya Municipality-6. According to cattle owner Ram Rai, an ox used for plowing died after its flesh was cut at night. “Earlier, my black ox died due to a similar attack. This time, another ox was targeted,” he said with sadness. “Now, I have no oxen left.”
Rai explained that after his first ox died, the red ox was attacked for the first time on Falgun 16. The injured ox was attacked again last Friday night, with more meat taken.
“I had treated the wound with herbs and medicine, and it was healing. But they came back and cut from the same leg again,” he said emotionally. This time, about five kilograms of meat was taken.
Since his cattle shed is a bit far from his house, he only discovered the incident when he went to feed the ox in the morning. “When I reached the shed, my ox was already dead,” he said.
Demand for Justice
Rai has demanded that those responsible for the cruel act be identified and punished. He lives in Kanyam, working on others’ farms to support his family. “Even though my house and cattle shed are only 100 meters apart, I didn’t hear anything because the shed is in a lower area,” he explained. “I had fed the ox the previous evening, but by morning, it was dead.”
Local journalist Gopal Giri posted a video of the dead ox on Facebook, urging the police and local representatives to investigate and find those involved.
Such incidents have been happening frequently in the village. “Sometimes people cut meat from live oxen, sometimes goats are stolen. Even after informing the police and representatives, no action is taken,” Rai said. “I had even shared my suspicions about some youths, but nothing was done.” Now, he is worried about how to continue farming without oxen.
Ward Chairman Shiva Kumar Basnet also admitted that crimes in the area are increasing. “Illegal activities like meat theft, alcohol abuse, and fights have slowed down development. People don’t file complaints, and even we local representatives are frustrated,” he said.
