Kolkata Police Horse Dies Of Heart Attack Due To Fireworks After India-South Africa Match

During the India-South Africa World Cup match at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens last week, where India emerged victorious, an unforeseen tragedy befell the Kolkata Police’s mounted division stationed just outside the stadium, responsible for crowd control. As the match spectators erupted into jubilant cheers, and a grand fireworks display illuminated the night around 8:30 PM, Voice of Reason, one of the horses within the mounted division, along with its companions, found themselves in a state of distress. The thunderous explosions and dazzling lights left these horses in a state of agitation, causing them to bolt aimlessly, and leaving their handlers perplexed.

Voice of Reason, a mare of over five years, ultimately succumbed to the trauma, confirmed through a post-mortem examination conducted on the animal the following day by a senior police official. The fireworks display within the stadium continued for nearly ten minutes, further intensifying the horses’ distress.

The chaotic situation reportedly unfolded as the Mounted Police horses deployed at Eden Gardens began to exhibit erratic behavior due to the deafening noise of the firecracker display. Two of these horses suddenly went into a frenzy, resulting in injuries to two mounted policemen, who were subsequently admitted to a private hospital in Alipore, reports TOI.

In the aftermath of this unfortunate incident, authorities have reportedly made the decision to prohibit fireworks at Eden Gardens for the next two matches.

In addition to celebrating the victory of the host team, the fireworks were also intended to commemorate the birthday of former Indian cricket team captain, Virat Kohli, as informed by officials who had contacted the city police in advance regarding the planned display.

A senior veterinarian highlighted the need for greater caution, considering the presence of the Mounted Police horses. He pointed out that the organisers should have taken measures to safeguard the animals, as they possess an acute sense of hearing.

Voice of Reason, which was positioned on the road adjacent to the Eden Gardens Club House during the incident, was an offspring of a champion mare of the Mounted Police. Its handler, Animesh Chakraborty, was reportedly standing beside it while the horse experienced initial discomfort.