News Flash Daily
06 March 
Late-night blaze in Sindhanur taluk destroys sheep shed in Mukkunda village; pregnant sheep among victims as owners seek government compensation for losses estimated up to Rs 2 crore
Raichur: A devastating fire accident in Karnataka’s Raichur district has resulted in the death of nearly 700 sheep after a sheep farm shed caught fire late at night, causing massive financial loss to the owners and shock among local residents.
The tragic incident occurred near Mukkunda village in Sindhanur taluk, where a large sheep-rearing facility was completely destroyed after flames engulfed the structure during the early hours of the night. Authorities confirmed that the incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Sindhanur Rural Police Station, and an investigation has been initiated.
Late-Night Blaze Turns Sheep Farm Into Ashes
According to initial reports, the fire broke out around 2:30 AM, catching workers at the sheep farm off guard as most of them were asleep at the time.
By the time the workers realized the situation and raised an alarm, the flames had already spread across the shed, making it extremely difficult to rescue the animals trapped inside.
The entire sheep shed was reduced to ashes, leaving hundreds of animals burned alive in one of the most tragic livestock disasters reported in the region in recent years.
About 700 Sheep Perish in the Tragedy
Officials and local sources said that more than 700 sheep were housed in the shed, all of which were caught in the blaze.
Many of the animals burned to death before rescue operations could begin, while several others succumbed to severe burns.
Among the dead were over 100 pregnant sheep that were expected to give birth within the coming days, making the loss even more heartbreaking for the farm owners.
Rs 1 Crore Sheep Shed Completely Destroyed
The sheep farm belonged to Hemalatha Madhusudan, who had invested heavily in the livestock business over the past few years.
The shed itself had been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1 crore, reflecting a significant investment into commercial sheep farming.
Sources said Hemalatha had been raising hundreds of sheep at the farm for the past three years, gradually expanding the business and building a stable livelihood around livestock rearing.
Government Subsidy and Loan Investment
Out of the total investment in the shed infrastructure, the Central Government had provided a subsidy of Rs 47 lakh, supporting the establishment of the livestock facility.
The remaining funds were arranged through personal loans and financial borrowing, making the incident not only an emotional loss but also a major financial setback for the family.
The farm also provided employment to six workers who were responsible for managing and caring for the sheep on a daily basis.
Firefighting Operation Lasted Four Hours
Following the incident, fire brigade personnel, police officials, and local residents rushed to the spot to control the flames.
Firefighters worked for nearly four hours to bring the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading further to nearby areas.
However, by the time the fire was extinguished, the entire shed structure had been completely destroyed, and hundreds of animals had already perished in the flames.
Insurance Coverage for Some Livestock
According to information shared by the farm management, 525 of the sheep were insured under livestock insurance schemes.
The owners have already informed the insurance company about the incident, and necessary documentation is being prepared for claims.
Despite the insurance coverage, the total financial loss is estimated to be close to Rs 2 crore, considering the value of the animals, the infrastructure, and operational costs.
Family Seeks Government Compensation
Following the tragedy, Padmanaydu, a relative of the shed owner, has urged the Karnataka government to provide adequate financial compensation to help the family recover from the heavy loss.
“The farm has suffered losses worth nearly Rs. 2 crore. We request the government to provide appropriate compensation and support to the affected family,” he said.
Police Investigation Underway
Meanwhile, a case has been registered at Sindhanur Rural Police Station, and authorities have begun investigating the exact cause of the fire.
Officials are currently examining whether the blaze was triggered by an electrical short circuit, accidental ignition, or another technical issue.
Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
