Dindigul (Tamil Nadu) (PTI): Residents of Vedasandur in the district raised apprehensions over the crow deaths that have been reported over the last few days, sources said.

However, a health official on Tuesday said that there were not so many deaths as reported in the media and allayed concerns of bird flu.

While there have been deaths of one or two crows during the recent past, on February 8 alone, about six to seven crows died, leading to some anxious moments among the public, as it may be due to bird flu.

ALSO READ:  No copies of Naravane's memoir have gone into publication: Publisher

The Vedasandur taluk in the district is home to several decade-old trees, including neem, tamarind and peepal, attracting large number of birds such as mynas, crows and cuckoos, officials said.

"There have been deaths of one or two crows. But it is not as mentioned in some media reports of over 100. On February 8, there were about six to seven crow deaths. We got information about the dead crows. We collected them and buried them," the official told PTI.

Responding to a query, he said, "There is no need for the public to worry about health. We have informed the veterinarians who have collected some samples (from the dead crows) and are investigating the cause of deaths."

On February 6, Tamil Nadu government sounded an alert following reports of crow deaths in various parts of the state, triggering concerns over a potential outbreak of avian influenza.

The Department of Animal Husbandry has directed its officials to intensify surveillance and step up vigil to detect any unusual sickness or mortality among crows, migratory birds and commercial poultry.

Director of Public Health, Dr A Somasundaram, told PTI on February 6 that the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has also released a separate communication, appealing to the public to follow strict safety protocols.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Ranchi, Apr 14 (PTI): A dentist from Jamshedpur was allegedly raped by a man after being intoxicated at a birthday party in Jharkhand's Ranchi district, police said on Tuesday.

The incident happened on April 9 when the 25-year-old woman went to a birthday celebration of a male friend at an apartment in the Lalpur police station area, they said.

She was allegedly sexually assaulted by one of the host's friends, they added.

ALSO READ: Eight held for vandalism during protests against sexual harassment of girl student in J-K

"We registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on April 13 based on the survivor's statement. Her medical examination has been conducted. A search is underway for the accused, who is absconding," said Rupesh Kumar Singh, officer in charge of the Lalpur police station.

In her statement, the survivor alleged that she was assaulted after being intoxicated at the party, and subsequently raped.

She hails from Jamshedpur and had been preparing for the entrance test of the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Ranchi, the officer said.