Mysuru: It is like a movie script wherein the titular hero is an ox which breaks its hind leg in order to escape from the hands of cattle thieves about two weeks ago.
The villagers of Chikkadaganahalli are throwing their might to rescue the ox which is lying on the floor since a fortnight. Medical attention, fodder, water and above all prayers to make the ox stand again on its legs have become the order of the day. People expressing sorrow looking at the pathetic state of the mute animal lying on the floor and women wailing daily is a regular scene here.
The ox took a decision to jump out of the vehicle to escape from the hands of captors, in this case cattle thieves. When they realised, it would not be possible to load the ox onto the vehicle, they tied it to a nearby neem tree and left. Ever since, Basava, the ox, has been a mute spectator to all the attention it is receiving from the villagers.
Nearby resident, Ningaraju from Kereyuru village is not leaving any stone unturned to make the ox find its footing. He has even established a helpline 9741761431 and has requested its owners to come to its aid.
Visitors are offering currency-studded garlands to meet medical expenses and out of their own belief.
The wait for recovery of the ox continues with no let-up in care and treatment from Chikkadaganahalli villagers.
Will ox “Basava” stand on its feet or perish like Sidda, the pachyderm is the question making the rounds now.
