The mysterious death of about 50 cows in the Hasanpur area of Amroha district in Uttar Pradesh state on Thursday has sent shockwaves throughout the country and prompted an urgent investigation.
The initial inquiry revealed that the cows fell sick shortly after they had been fed by staff at the shelter, Amroha district magistrate, Bal Krishna Tripathi, told Indian news agency IANS.
Speaking to English-language daily newspaper, The Hindu, Tripathi said: “It appears this is a case of deliberate poisoning. We have sent samples for investigation and are awaiting the report.”
Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department and veterinarians were rushed to the spot to treat the cattle.
A police case has been filed against the person who provided feed to the shelter.
"Anyone found guilty will not be spared," said an official spokesman.