Sheep Thefts on the Rise in Bellary

The highest number of thefts has been reported in Siruguppa of Bellary where as many as 80 sheep were stolen in one night

BELLARY: Members of the Kuruba community met Deputy Commissioner Sameer Shukla and appealed to him to take immediate measures to curb the increasing thefts of sheep.

Sheep rearers from Belgaum and other districts of north Karnataka said they come to Bellary, Davangere and Koppal districts whenever there is shortage of fodder in their region.

They have been doing so for many generations, but for the past three years, the number of sheep thefts have increased, they said.

They said 25-30 sheep are stolen at one go. The highest number of thefts has been reported in Siruguppa of Bellary where 80 sheep were stolen in one night, they said.

Repeated police complaints have proved futile, they informed the Deputy Commissioner. The sheep are stolen when those guarding them go to sleep and the thieves transport them in trucks, they said.

Accusing the police of colluding with the thieves, they said a large number of sheep cannot be transported through check-posts without police involvement.

A ram costs around `20,000 and sheep `10,000. If the police fail to stop these thefts, the community might end up with no sheep and in dire financial straits, they said.

The Deputy Commissioner responded positively to the grievance of sheep rearers and asked the Superintendent of Police to look into the matter.

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