Hyderabad: Several horses moved from Hyderabad to Jabalpur have died while the case over their custody drags on in court. Documents filed before the Madhya Pradesh High Court confirm that 12 horses had died by the end of June, with 45 surviving under veterinary supervision. However, sources on the ground informed that several more horses had died since. The animals were transported from Hyderabad Race Club in late April under the charge of caretaker Sachin Tiwari for Hithanet India Pvt. Ltd.The Turf Authority of India (TAI) had earlier said that the Hyderabad and Mumbai race clubs would provide feed and treatment and take responsibility for their upkeep. Meetings were held to this effect in June. However, the horses remain with Sachin Tiwari. TAI chairman G. Venkatesh confirmed to Deccan Chronicle on Saturday that the transfer has not taken place. “The horses were supposed to be moved, but the collector is not allowing it. Although Hyderabad and Mumbai clubs were to handle their care, the district administration has taken over the welfare,” he said. Venkatesh added that TAI had constituted a fact-finding committee which would travel to Jabalpur shortly and file a report of its observations. Equine welfare advocate Niall Sadh said that while official reports present a controlled picture, the reality was grimmer. “Many more horses have died. Hearings are being repeatedly adjourned as lawyers for the accused keep seeking extensions. This case may be dragged on for years,” he said. The petition, filed by Jabalpur dairy owner Simran Issar, is in court. The High Court last took up the matter on July 3, when it accepted the collector’s affidavit and set August 7 for the next date. That hearing was rolled over and the matter is now listed for October 9, as per the website of the MP High Court. The controversy has cast a shadow over Hyderabad’s racing circles. Hithanet India Pvt. Ltd. and businessman Suresh Paladugu have been named in the proceedings, but no action has yet been taken against them from the TAI or others. Animal rights groups allege that neglect, heat and mismanagement have led to deaths, and question why responsibility for the animals remains disputed months after the transport.
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