Bengaluru: A major fire broke out at a private cow shelter near Bidarahalli in east Bengaluru, destroying large quantities of stored fodder valued at over ₹2.2 crore on March 17.
The incident reduced two fodder storage units to ashes, dealing a severe blow to Shri Krishna Goshala, which has been operating for the past seven years. The shelter, run by Pukhraj Maharaj, houses more than 1,100 rescued cows and relies on donations and limited government support for its upkeep.
According to officials, the fire erupted while Maharaj and his team were away procuring additional supplies from nearby areas. The blaze was reported shortly after, prompting an immediate response. Workers managed to move the cattle to safety as fire personnel battled the flames for several hours before bringing the situation under control.
The facility had stocked enough dry fodder to last nearly a year, sourced from farmers in surrounding regions, all of which was destroyed in the incident.
Authorities are now probing the cause of the fire, with suspicion of deliberate arson. Forensic teams have collected samples from the site to determine whether any accelerants were used.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of such shelters and the potential impact on the animals dependent on them.