KOTA: An unusual dispute over the ownership of a buffalo and its calf reached Kunhadi police station in Kota on Saturday, after two men claimed the same animals. The issue was settled later in the evening after a veterinary medical board carried out a biological examination and confirmed the rightful owner.According to police, Ram Lal, a resident of Narayan Vihar, reported that his buffalo and calf had gone missing about a month ago. He searched for them continuously and, two days ago, spotted the animals tied inside the enclosure of Indrajit Kewat at Ramchandrapura Margiya Basti in the same area.Ram Lal immediately approached Indrajit and claimed the animals belonged to him. Indrajit, however, denied the claim and said he had purchased the buffalo from Badi village two years ago. He also stated that the buffalo was about seven years old.The disagreement escalated, following which both men reached Kunhadi police station on Saturday.“In the preliminary inquiry, both sides presented their claims and tried to establish ownership,” said Kunhadi circle inspector Kaushalya. “Ram Lal said the buffalo was around four to five years old and had given birth recently, while Indrajit maintained that the animal was seven years old. As the matter could not be resolved mutually, we sought the opinion of veterinary experts.”A veterinary medical board was formed and the buffalo was taken to a government veterinary hospital in Mokhapada for examination. After checking the animal’s teeth and physical condition, doctors concluded that the buffalo was approximately four to five years old, and not seven, the officer said.Based on the medical report and supporting evidence, police confirmed Ram Lal’s claim and handed over the buffalo and calf to him late on Saturday evening.Indrajit expressed dissatisfaction with the decision and was asked to produce evidence in support of his claim. When he failed to do so, the animals were finally handed over to Ram Lal, police said.Ram Lal said he had purchased the buffalo four months ago and that its market value was around Rs 80,000, while the calf was worth about Rs 10,000.Police officials said the matter was resolved through scientific verification, preventing any further dispute. Meanwhile, Indrajit also claimed that one of his buffaloes and a calf were missing.
