Six booked, two held over camel abuse case in Tharparkar

KARACHI: Police have registered a case against six people and arrested two suspects after a female camel was allegedly tortured in Sindh’s Tharparkar district, leaving her permanently blind in one eye, officials said.

The case surfaced in Bangal Rind village in Chachro taluka, where the 13-year-old milking camel, which had a four-month-old calf, was allegedly taken away on May 25 after a dispute over grazing. According to the animal’s owner, Leelo Meghwar, the camel was kept for two days without food and was repeatedly beaten before being returned in a critically injured state. Investigators said the complaint was lodged later because the owner had allegedly received threats and faced pressure from the accused.

Police said an FIR was registered at Khensar police station against six suspects — Hamzo Khan, Master Mukhtiar, Roshan, Mumtaz, Akhtar and Muhammad Haneef — under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Two of the nominated suspects have been arrested, while raids are under way to apprehend the others.

The incident drew strong reaction from Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who ordered that the injured animal be given the best available veterinary care and called for swift legal action. In a statement cited in a report submitted to him by Livestock and Fisheries Secretary Kazim Jatoi, the chief minister said:

"The cruelty inflicted on this innocent animal is deeply disturbing and unacceptable in any civilised society. Those responsible for this barbaric act must be identified and brought to justice," he added.

Medical findings

A technical committee constituted by the Livestock Department examined the camel and confirmed signs of severe abuse. Officials said the animal’s right eyeball had ruptured completely, resulting in permanent loss of vision, while the left eye had suffered serious swelling and trauma. Submitted to the chief minister, the damage to the right eye is irreversible, while doctors said the outlook for the left eye will remain uncertain until the swelling subsides and further examination is completed.

The medical examination also recorded multiple wounds, bruises and rope marks on the camel’s neck, legs and knees, which officials said indicated prolonged confinement and repeated beatings with sticks or other blunt objects. The animal was also found to be suffering from extreme weakness, exhaustion and malnutrition that doctors said was consistent with being deprived of food and water for an extended period.

Officials said the camel’s condition has stabilised after emergency treatment. A specialised veterinary team, including surgeons, veterinary officers and livestock staff, has been deployed in the area to provide round-the-clock care and monitor recovery. The Livestock Department said treatment includes wound care, broad-spectrum antibiotics, pain medication, intravenous fluids and nutritional support, with daily medical assessments being carried out.

Chief Minister Shah has also directed authorities to ensure uninterrupted treatment and rehabilitation of the animal and to provide him with regular updates on both the camel’s health and progress in the criminal case. Officials said the incident has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws in Sindh.