Camel's eyes gouged out over dispute

Victim's family alleges revenge attack over livestock compensation; police launch manhunt

HYDERABAD:

A district known for its peaceful people and a crime rate reportedly lower than the rest of the province has been shaken by a disturbing act of animal cruelty in which a camel's eyes were allegedly gouged out during a dispute between residents.

The incident took place on Monday night in village Bhagal Rind, where the camel's owner, Sarang Meghwar, alleged that several men took away the animal, tied its legs and brutally removed its eyes. "Hamza, Mukhtiar and others took away my camel, tied its feet and gouged out its eyes," a distraught Sarang told reporters on Tuesday.

Accompanied by male and female members of his family during a protest outside the Chhachhro Press Club, Sarang claimed that the accused had been pressuring him to compensate them for the death of a donkey and a goat.

According to the family, the camel was their only remaining source of income. "My house caught fire and all of my belongings were burnt. This camel was my only asset helping me earn a livelihood for my family."

Family member Neelo said the accused had told them they would have to compensate for the donkey and goat before any compensation could be discussed for the injured camel. "We are poor. Now we do not have anything to arrange two meals a day," she said, alleging that the accused were influential individuals employed in govt service.

Another relative, Teekam Meghwar, said the suspects had forcibly taken away the camel on Monday night before subjecting it to the attack.

The family appealed to authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and provide them with justice, alleging that they had also received threats against pursuing the case.

Police said a team had been dispatched to arrest the accused. However, an FIR had not been registered until Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, CM Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a report from the DIG Mirpurkhas.