Balasore, Dec 30: Balasore district’s Nilagiri police station has turned into the center of an unusual dispute, with two parties locked in a tussle over the ownership of a single goat. Adding a curious twist to the case, one side even produced another goat as a “witness,” leaving locals amused and the police puzzled.

According to sources, a female goat belonging to Monalisa Das of Sanatala village went missing about one and a half months ago. Despite repeated searches, the animal could not be traced. On Friday, Monalisa claimed she received information that the goat was at the house of Laxman Bindhani of Gudikhania village. When she went to retrieve it and failed, she approached the Nilagiri police station and lodged a complaint.

Laxman, however, denied the allegation and told police that he had legally purchased the goat from Somanathpur village for ₹2,000, asserting his rightful ownership.

The case took an interesting turn when Monalisa’s family brought another goat to the police station, claiming it as evidence. They argued that their goats are marked with a specific color on their horns, and the disputed goat bears the same marking. To support their claim, they presented the second goat as a “witness,” drawing attention from onlookers.

In an attempt to resolve the matter, investigating officer Srinibas Rout asked both parties to stand at opposite sides and released the goat, declaring that whichever side the goat approached would be considered its owner. However, the goat refused to choose either party, standing still and leaving the mystery unresolved.

With no clear outcome, the goat remains in police custody, while the dispute continues to spark discussion and curiosity in the local area.