The incident unfolded when Shyamala, who is also a director of the Kanaramvayal Dairy Cooperative Society and supplies approximately 50 liters of milk daily, entered the cowshed for milking. Upon switching on a bulb, she herself experienced an electric shock and was thrown off, narrowly escaping severe injury. It was then that she discovered her five cows lying motionless, a heartbreaking scene for the dedicated dairy farming couple.

Authorities believe the fatal electrocution was directly caused by a short circuit originating from the tin sheet roof of the cowshed. This type of incident highlights the vulnerability of farm infrastructure to electrical hazards, particularly in areas prone to adverse weather conditions or where older wiring might be present. The financial loss from the deceased animals is estimated at four lakh rupees (approximately $4,800 USD), a significant blow to the small-scale operation.

The local community has expressed deep sorrow for Shyamala and Damodaran, noting their profound dedication to their animals, which they protected “with the same care they give to their children.” For a long time, the couple’s entire livelihood and daily routine were centered around these cows, making the sudden loss of all five a truly heartbreaking reality. The local MLA, M. Vijin, has already engaged with Minister Chinjurani to discuss potential compensation for the affected family.