Bhopal: Racehorse Deaths Spark Investigation and Court Intervention
Petition in High Court by MP Resident over Racehorse Mortality Incidents
横 было个 weeks ago, a local stud farm in Raipura village, Bhopal, witnessed the mysterious deaths of racehorses, sparking concern among animal activists and the public. Following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Jabalpur-based animal activist Simran Issar, the Madhya Pradesh High Court recently took action and issued notices to several government and private entities and individuals related to the issue.
In a significant move, the court ordered the Jabalpur district collector to provide a detailed report on the horses' physical condition, the environment they've been kept in, and the reasons for their deaths by June 25, 2025. The report should also cover the availability of food, water, and shelter for the horses that still survive.
The single bench court of acting chief justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, while admitting the PIL, also issued notices to individuals such as Suresh Paladugu, HPSL Sports Leisure Pvt Ltd general administration department, M/S HITHANET INDIA PVT LTD, Sachin Tiwari (owner of Raipura stud farm), and the principal secretary of the animal husbandry department of Madhya Pradesh government. Other notices were sent to local authorities like the Jabalpur district collector, Jabalpur district superintendent of police, in-charge of Panagar police station, Jabalpur, the state animal welfare board, director, animal husbandry and dairy farming department, Bhopal, deputy director, animal outbreak control, Bhopal, and the Jabalpur district veterinary officer.
The media reported that as many as 12 out of 57 racehorses transported to Raipura farm from Hyderabad a couple of months ago have died so far, for various reasons. The remaining 45 racehorses, partly thoroughbred and mostly Marwari breed, are being monitored by a three-member veterinary doctor team that visits the farm daily to examine the horses.
This incident raises concerns about the treatment and care of racehorses in India, especially considering the alleged link between the Raipura stud farm owner Sachin Tiwari and illegal horse racing and online betting ventures streaming races to the Philippines.
📝 Enrichment Insights:- Preliminary findings reveal that the horses were kept in inadequate conditions, including cramped cattle sheds with insufficient shade, space, proper water, sanitation, and shelter during a heatwave.- The National Horse Breeding Society of India attempted to send medical supplies, but the farm owner Sachin Tiwari allegedly barred entry.- The PIL filed by Simran Issar accuses Sachin Tiwari and a Hyderabad-based businessman, linked to illegal horse racing and online betting ventures, of wrongdoing.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the treatment and care of horses in racing events, particularly at the Raipura stud farm in Bhopal, is under scrutiny. The court's orders demand a comprehensive report on the horses' living conditions, including food, water, and shelter, with the intention of improving their welfare and preventing further racetrack-related deaths.
