Colva, Goa – Police have arrested Mahesh Chavan of Fatorda and Vinay Fernandes of Benaulim in connection with an illegal buffalo fight (dhirio) that took place in an open field in Colva on July 24.
The arrest was made after a video of the incident went viral, prompting the police to conduct a thorough investigation. According to local residents, the fight involved two buffaloes named Gulal and Bala, reportedly owned by Chavan and Fernandes.
The bullfight was allegedly held in full public view, violating multiple laws. Both men have been booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The case is being investigated by LPSI Raksha Naik from the Colva police station.
Despite ongoing efforts to curb such practices, illegal dhirios continue in Goa. South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus had previously formed a special task force to combat these events, yet enforcement challenges persist.
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier, Maina-Curtorim police arrested Menino Fernandes from Nuvem and Antonio Pacheco from Curtorim for organizing a similar bullfight. They, too, were booked under similar charges and released on bail.
The task force comprises mamlatdars, police officers from Salcete and Mormugao, veterinary officers, and animal welfare representatives, all working together to put an end to this cruel and illegal sport.
