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The Hindu
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
How 57 racing horses from Hyderabad ended up in Jabalpur, prompting M.P. govt probe
In the first week of May, 57 racing horses arrived at a private farm in the Raipura village of Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur from Hyderabad in Telangana. Over the course of three weeks, eight of them have died, prompting the Jabalpur authorities to launch an investigation into the deaths after various animal rights activists hurled allegations regarding the treatment of the animals and their 'hasty, overnight' transfer. The remaining 49 horses continue to remain at Sachin Tiwari's farm in Raipura, while a team of government veterinarians visits the farm everyday for their medical checkups and treatment. The Jabalpur district administration has launched a full-fledged investigation into multiple aspects of the matter, including the suspicious deaths and other allegations such as poor treatment, malnourishment of the horses. On May 23, a petition was also filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court by a Jabalpur-based animal rights activist, seeking the court's immediate intervention to protect the horses and give better treatment to them, access for animal rights bodies to the horses for medical care, and a probe into the 'illegal' transportation in trucks from Hyderabad to one Sachin Tiwari's farm in Raipura. The plea, filed by Simran Issar, claims that the horses had been sent to Jabalpur by Hyderabad-based Horse Power Sports League managing director Suresh Paladugu and seeks an investigation against him and Mr. Tiwari. It also claims that there were 154 horses in Mr. Paladagu's custody in Hyderabad and that whereabouts and the condition of about 100 of them are unknown. Health condition Speaking to The Hindu, Jabalpur Collector Deepak Saxena said that the matter came to his attention after he received a call from former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and that a team of veterinarians, including from the Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, was immediately deployed to inspect the horses. 'We got the horses traced by the local police and sent a medical team. Some of the horses were found to be ill so we started their treatment,' he said, adding that eight horses have died so far. Mr. Saxena said that the symptoms had raised the suspicions of the horses being infected with Glanders, a rare zoonotic disease, and samples were sent to the National Research Centre of Equines, Hisar, Haryana, earlier this month. 'During this period, we isolated the horse and restricted the entry of anyone other than the medical team,' Mr. Saxena said, adding that reports received on May 23 have ruled out the possibility of Glanders. 'All the horses are now in a stable condition and vets are regularly visiting the farm. Now that the infectious disease is ruled out, we are taking up other aspects of the case,' he said. 'We have contacted the Hyderabad police over the matter. We are also checking the documentations for the transfer of horses as it appears that Sachin Tiwari got the horses to take care of them through an agreement,' he added. How the matter came to fore On April 24, Lavanya Shekhawat, a Jaipur-based polo player, gave a complaint to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, India, after she got information and pictures of horses kept at the Hyderabad Race Club in 'poor conditions'. She sought the body's intervention into the matter and rescue of animals. Ever since, various activists, horse breeders and trainers, and racing enthusiasts have been making various allegations against Mr. Paladagu and Mr. Tiwari. Tegbir Singh Brar, a council member of the National Horse Breeding Society of India, says that Ms. Shekhawat's complaint alerted the people in Hyderabad and prompted the transportation. 'Mr. Paladagu was conducting two-horse races at the Club and used to keep the horses in the premises only. We don't know what happened exactly [after Ms. Shekhawat's complaint] but the horses were transferred to Jabalpur around May 1 in a haste,' he said. Ms. Issar also alleged that while a group of activists did visit Mr. Tiwari's farm to insect the condition of the horses shortly after their arrival, Mr. Tiwari has not allowed them in ever since. 'The racing fraternity has been quite helpful in the matter, but he is not even allowing a truckload of medical and food supplies sent by the National Horse Breeding Society of India, Pune,' she said, speaking to The Hindu, adding that a veterinarian. The plea also refutes the administration's claims that the animals are now stable and alleges that 12 horses have wounds and skin infections while six of them are in 'critical condition' with wounds infested with maggots and suspected lung infection among other problems. Ms. Issar said that she has already also approached various authorities in Jabalpur, including giving a complaint at Panaghar police station but alleges that 'nobody took active interest' in the matter, forcing her to move court. Mr. Brar also said, 'Many like me are involved with this matter and all we want to do is ensure that the horses are looked after properly. We have no other interests here.' The petition also alleges that Mr. Paladagu had stopped paying wages to his staff since February, leaving the horses 'neglected and without care'. Did not treat horses poorly: Sachin Paladugu Speaking to The Hindu over the phone, Mr. Paladugu disassociated himself from the horses and their treatment and stressed that the HPSL was only involved with stratagising and conducting the races with the new two-horse format. 'I am a technologist and content creator. They are owned by another company, HithaNet [India Pvt Ltd.] and they were responsible for their care. I am not associated with them but as far as I am aware, they also did not treat the horses poorly or starve them. It's also not possible as the HithaNet had rented some space within the Club to keep the horses,' he said. Mr. Paladugu said that the two-format races were started in late 2023 and discontinued in February, 2025. 'After the discontinuation, we informed HithaNet who owned the horses, and the Club where races were held. My name has been raked up wrongfully with all these allegations,' he added. Disease is transferable to humans: Sachin Tiwari Mr. Tiwari, however, refuted the allegations and claimed that all the horses died of 'natural causes'. 'Soon after the horses arrived here, I alerted the local veterinary department. Everything has been done under their supervision ever since. Some horses were also very old and ill when they came from Hyderabad,' he said, adding that the horses were sent to him as costing and weather conditions were making their care difficult in Hyderabad. 'I had plans of starting a stud farm earlier but there is no business involved in this matter,' he added. He also said that the entry restrictions were also imposed on the administration's directions due to the fears of Glanders disease. 'The administration does want to risk anything as the disease is transferrable to humans too. Two more horses showed symptoms recently, so samples have been sent again,' he said.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Brought from Hyderabad, 8 racehorses die mysteriously in Madhya Pradesh, govt launches probe
The Madhya Pradesh government has launched an investigation into the mysterious deaths of eight high-value racehorses — belonging to heritage breeds — that were recently transported from Hyderabad to Raipura village in Jabalpur district. Jabalpur Collector Deepak Saxena ordered the probe after the local veterinary department responded to reports of multiple horse deaths at a private farm in Raipura. Officials are now examining allegations that a total of 57 horses were transferred from Hyderabad to Madhya Pradesh without the required veterinary documentation. Authorities are investigating claims that 'around 57 horses were covertly moved between 29 April and 3 May' by a local resident, Sachin Tiwari, in collaboration with a businessman based in Hyderabad. Among the breeds transported were Marwari and Thoroughbred horses. The Marwari, native to Rajasthan, is distinguished by its inward-curving ears and known for being a hardy riding horse with a natural ambling gait. Thoroughbreds, originally bred in England, are globally renowned for their speed, agility and racing prowess. Marwari horses are often crossed with Thoroughbreds to produce a larger horse with more versatility. According to Prafulla Moon, deputy director of the state veterinary department, four teams were deployed after officials located the horses. 'The horses were transported in a hot atmosphere from Hyderabad. The horses began falling sick due to stress. In total, eight horses have died. We have sent blood samples of 57 horses to a lab in Haryana. The reports of 44 horses have come negative for any infectious disease,' Moon said. Preliminary findings suggest that the animals were housed in inadequate conditions—a cramped cattle shed with insufficient shade and limited space to move. Following public outcry, the National Horse Breeding Society of India dispatched a truck carrying medical supplies to the farm. However, farm owner Sachin Tiwari allegedly barred the vehicle from entering the premises. In response, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which is expected to hear the matter in the coming days. The PIL, filed by Jabalpur-based animal rights activist Simran Issar through her advocate Umesh Tripathi, seeks urgent court intervention to 'protect the life of 49 horses' still held at the facility. The petition describes the animals being kept in open fields during a heatwave without adequate access to water, sanitation, or shelter. The petition further claims that one of the respondents—a Hyderabad-based businessman—is the 'kingpin behind sponsoring all big horsing races in the country, with online betting ventures exclusively for the Philippines'. According to the PIL: 'At the peak of this horse racing venture, they have 154 horses for racing. They had 24 horse races everyday according to Manager for these horse races… This horse racing, which is illegal in India, was streamed on an app in the Philippines.' The petition also asserts that the operation fell into neglect after staff salaries were allegedly not paid, leaving '154 horses without food and water'. 'That, in the first week of February, 2025, out of 154 horses only 64 horses were left…That, these remaining horses were loaded on truck and were sent to Jabalpur from Hyderabad in the command and control of Sachin Tiwari,' the PIL stated.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Starved, shifted and dying: The dark saga of 57 heritage racehorses transported from Hyderabad to Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is investigating the suspicious deaths of valuable racehorses, heritage breeds transported from Hyderabad to Jabalpur BHOPAL/ JABALPUR : The Madhya Pradesh government has launched a full-scale investigation into the suspicious deaths of several high-value racehorses—belonging to heritage breeds—brought from Hyderabad and housed in Raipura village of Panagar, Jabalpur district. Jabalpur District Collector Deepak Saxena has directed the Superintendent of Police to investigate the circumstances under which the horses were transported to Jabalpur without the required medical and transport clearances. According to officials, around 57 horses were covertly moved between 29 April and 3 May by local resident Sanjay Tiwari, in association with a Hyderabad-based businessman. 'Maneka Gandhi informed me that Sachin Tiwari had transported some horses from Hyderabad to Jabalpur. Upon investigation with the help of the police, the horses were located at a stud farm in Raipura village. They underwent medical examinations, and it was found that some horses were seriously ill,' Collector Saxena told TOI. 'Unfortunately, eight horses died in the initial days. After regular health check-ups and treatment, the remaining horses have now recovered. The veterinary department has been instructed to investigate and address the irregularities related to the transportation and maintenance of the horses. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Our top priority was to ensure their proper treatment,' he added. While the local administration has claimed that caretaker Sachin Tiwari was the first to report the deteriorating condition of the horses, sources reveal that the issue was flagged earlier by Maneka Gandhi, based on a formal complaint by Lavanya Shekhawat—a Rajasthan-based aspiring polo player and horse lover. Shekhawat had written to PETA India, highlighting the plight of horses at the Hyderabad Race Course. In her email, she wrote: 'This is an urgent appeal regarding the horrifying condition of horses at the Hyderabad Race Course. Many are suffering, malnourished, injured, and some have already died due to neglect and abuse.' Following her intervention, the horses were allegedly shifted to Jabalpur in an attempt to avoid scrutiny and possible legal action by animal welfare authorities. After arriving in Jabalpur, several horses displayed signs of illness. Tiwari alerted the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department only after the situation went out of control. A rapid response team was formed under the National Action Plan to investigate a possible outbreak of glanders—a contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting equines—and other zoonotic threats. Under strict biosafety protocols, blood serum samples from all 57 horses and eight individuals in contact with them were collected and sent to the National Research Centre on Equines in Hisar, Haryana. Test results for 44 horses have come back negative, while results for the remaining are awaited. Due to glanders containment protocols, post-mortems of the eight deceased horses were not conducted. Veterinary staff continue to monitor and treat the surviving horses under supervision. The horses include two prominent and distinct breeds: Marwari and Thoroughbred. Marwari horses, native to Rajasthan, are known for their unique inward-turning ear tips, loyalty, endurance, and bravery. Thoroughbreds, developed in England, are celebrated globally for their speed, agility, and dominance in competitive racing. Dr Prafull Moon, Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, confirmed that the eight people who came into contact with the horses were also tested. 'Precautionary measures are in full effect while we await final results. The horses remain under quarantine and care,' he said. Authorities revealed that the horses were moved using passports issued under the name of "Hitha Net India Pvt Ltd", a Hyderabad-based business linked to horse racing. However, mandatory medical clearances were reportedly not obtained. 'We have directed the Superintendent of Police to verify all documentation and investigate how these horses were moved without prior approval,' Saxena stated. Sachin Tiwari, the caretaker, maintained that he acted in good faith and alerted officials as soon as health concerns arose. He said that the horses' passports included their medical history and that Jabalpur was chosen for its favourable conditions to establish a horse farm. In April, Raghuvendra Singh Dhunlod, Vice President of the Indigenous Horse Society of India, also wrote to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), citing Lavanya Shekhawat's concerns about the dire conditions of indigenous Marwari horses at the Hyderabad Race Course. Shekhawat had also shared disturbing images of emaciated and dying horses. 'Many had already died with no feed, fodder, or grooms to care for them,' she noted. Dhunlod explained that a large number of indigenous horses had been sourced from Rajasthan and taken to Hyderabad for a local racing initiative. 'The project was going well for some time but was abruptly abandoned by the owners, leading to rapid deterioration in conditions and the deaths of many horses. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, we urge immediate action by the AWBI and Hyderabad's district administration,' he wrote. According to sources, the Indian horse racing operation was backed by HPSL, a company led by Suresh Paladugu. He allegedly ran a horse betting business through Hitha Net India Pvt Ltd and "Un Dos Matchup Racing" at the Hyderabad Race Club. The operation reportedly owned 154 horses and ran 24 races a day. However, by February 2025, the venture collapsed amid accusations of result manipulation and financial mismanagement. Staff were unpaid, and horses were left without food or water. By May 2025, only 64 horses remained; about 90 had gone missing—many presumed dead. 'Some horses were moved to Jabalpur under the care of Sachin Tiwari, Paladugu's associate, where further neglect was discovered. Only 50 malnourished horses survived, with minimal care. Despite a PETA alert and intervention by the National Horse Breeding Society of India, rescue efforts were blocked. One severely injured mare, Grey Shadow, went missing again—suspected to have been killed to hide evidence of abuse,' said Shekhawat, who has continued to advocate for relocating the remaining horses to safety. 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