Bengaluru: The persistent menace of stray cattle blocking busy roads has now led to legal action, with City Market traffic police filing a case against unidentified owners of cows that disrupted traffic and endangered commuters near the bustling Market Circle on SJP Road and adjoining roads.Police said the cattle frequently blocked roads, fought with each other and charged at people trying to drive them away, posing a serious accident risk.Sub-inspector Henry Madhan said he was on traffic duty at Market Circle on June 11 when around 12 stray cows were found standing in the middle of the road during evening peak hours. Police said the cattle repeatedly wandered onto footpaths and attempted to feed on fruits and vegetables displayed by vendors along SJP Road, near Jamia Masjid and Kothambari Mandi. Whenever vendors tried to chase them away, the cows reportedly turned aggressive, charging at them and creating panic in the crowded marketplace.With large numbers of shoppers visiting KR Market every day, police feared the situation could result in injuries or even major accidents. Officials noted the stray cattle were rounded up and shifted to shelters on several occasions. However, their owners reclaimed the animals and allowed them to roam freely on public roads again, causing repeated inconvenience and danger.Based on Madhan’s complaint, police first registered a non-cognisable register (NCR) on the same day and, after obtaining permission from 5th ACJM Court, registered a case under BNS Section 270 (public nuisance) on June 23.A senior traffic police officer said the owners were repeatedly warned not to leave the cows on the roads. “But they didn’t heed our instructions. So, we decided to lodge a complaint. This is a daily nuisance. They leave the cows so that they feed on the vegetables and leaves in the market area.”The cows are now in the custody of Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). As of now, none of the owners has come forward to claim them. “Once they approach us, necessary action will be taken. We will continue to register cases,” the officer added.
