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City mayor Sarabjit Singh Samana ordered an inquiry into the city’s stray cattle catching operations following corruption allegations during the municipal corporation’s first House meeting. Multiple councillors levelled serious charges of irregularities against the private contractor hired to clear stray animals from public roads, prompting the mayor to threaten immediate contract cancellation if wrongdoing is proven.Ward Number 20 councillor Gaurav Jain raised the matter, stating that stray cattle continue to block major arterial roads and intersections, creating major safety hazards for commuters. Jain alleged that the contractor is failing to clear the streets because of illicit financial collusions with local commercial dairy operators.Detailing the suspected graft, Jain said, “We have a major problem of stray cattle on roads across the city. We suspect that the stray cattle catcher is hand in glove with some dairy owners and is allowing cattle to roam freely in return for kickbacks. Despite raising bills with the municipal corporation, the contractor is allegedly not carrying out the work effectively. We have demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter.”Responding to the floor allegations, mayor Samana promised a swift probe, stating, “The allegations against the stray cattle catcher will be verified through an inquiry. If any irregularity or misconduct is found, the contractor’s agreement will be cancelled.”Beyond the cattle issue, the House expressed concern over the rising population of stray dogs and the unchecked encroachment of public spaces by beggars. The councillors presented photographic evidence showing illegal makeshift hutments pitched on road berms and traffic crossings, highlighting both safety hazards and urban blight.Addressing this issue, MLA Kulwant Singh announced a clearance drive, stating, “We have ordered the removal of all such illegally erected structures from road berms and other public areas. The police will also be requested to take strict action against those occupying public land and causing obstruction.” Both the civic body and the district administration are slated to initiate follow-up operations on these issues this week.