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Karnataka seer resolves row over ownership of 'sacred' buffalo

DAVANAGERE: The fight over a buffalo between the people of Belimallur village in Davanagere district and Haranahalli village in Shivamogga district was resolved late Friday evening following the intervention of Sri Odeyar Channamallikarjuna Swamiji of Hirekal Mutt in Honnali town.

Leaders of both villages and mutt devotees were told by the pontiff that it wasn't wise to fig ht over the buffalo, that too by conducting a DNA test, as it would be against tradition.

He asked the villagers to touch the 'gaddige' (deity) of the mutt in good spirit and promise to settle the amicably.

Residents of both villagers vowed not to seek a DNA test and instead settle the issue harmoniously. "Let Goddess Marikamba punish whoever is the culprit," they pledged.

Eventually, villagers of Haranahalli agreed to hand over the buffalo to Belimallur.

The popular belief was that if blood was drawn from the buffalo for the DNA test, its sacredness would be compromised and Marikamba Devi would not be pleased.

The weeklong fight between the two villages over the animal has ended, said Davanagere SP Hanumantharaya.

"We'll hand it over after it's released from a goshala at Vidyanagar, Shivamogga to Belimallur village by closing the case and taking a note from them," said Honnali circle inspector Devaraj TV.

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