The auction of 243 buffaloes seized from the Para area of Lucknow has officially concluded at the Lucknow Municipal Corporation headquarters amidst high drama and persistent protests. Through this public auction, the civic body managed to generate a total revenue of Rs 58,89,000. The confiscation and subsequent sale of the cattle were carried out as part of the municipality's drive against unauthorized dairies and street encroachments across the capital city.
Auction Dynamics and Financial Breakdown
Following their seizure from Para, the 243 buffaloes had been distributed and housed across 6 different municipal shelters in Lucknow. During the bidding process held at the civic headquarters, 6 prospective cattle rearers placed the highest bids to secure ownership of the entire lot. On average, each buffalo fetched a price between Rs 25,000 and Rs 26,000, bringing the cumulative proceeds to Rs 58.89 lakh for the municipal treasury.
Strict Participant Eligibility and Official Stand
To maintain law and order, the municipal administration had instituted strict conditions prior to opening the auction. Any individual or livestock owner who was involved in previous clashes with police personnel, attacked municipal staff, or damaged civic vehicles during enforcement drives was explicitly barred from participating in the bidding.
Confirming the completion of the sale, Animal Welfare Officer Abhinav Verma stated that the entire procedure was conducted with complete fairness and transparency. He assured that physical custody of the seized animals would be handed over to the successful high bidders in a swift manner.
Demands for Rehabilitation and Heated Demonstrations
While taking possession of the animals, the cattle rearers urged the government to look into the long-term challenges faced by local milk vendors. They requested authorities to establish a designated dairy zone on the city outskirts so that dairy farmers can operate permanently without the constant fear of sudden eviction or livestock seizure.
Simultaneously, intense protest scenes played out right outside the civic headquarters building prior to the auction. Activists from the Mulayam Singh Youth Brigade, led by Anees Raja, staged a major demonstration alongside affected livestock owners. The protesters demanded an immediate halt to the auction, arguing that the seized buffaloes should be returned to their original owners upon payment of standard administrative fines. Demonstrators raised slogans against the Municipal Commissioner and the Mayor, prompting civic officials to deploy heavy police personnel to secure the headquarters and maintain order.
