Mohali, Aug. 23 -- Amid the growing stray cattle menace that has claimed multiple road users' lives, the Mohali municipal corporation (MC) has resolved that stray cattle, once captured, will no longer be released back to their owners. Until now, these were let off after the payment of a Rs.5,000 fine. The move was approved unanimously in the House meeting on Friday. During the discussion, MC commissioner Parminder Pal Singh Sandhu proposed the measure, which received full support from councillors. Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu termed the decision "harsh but necessary," pointing out that the issue had been raised in several past meetings without any effective outcome. Despite existing bylaws, the city has struggled to control the problem. Official records show Mohali has nearly 3,400 stray animals, but since the allotment of a fresh tender last year, only 300 have been caught. A penalty of Rs.5,000 imposed on owners for the release of cattle has backfired, as cattle-rearers now often attack MC teams to avoid fines. Many of these animals come from unregistered dairies or are abandoned once they become unproductive, with owners letting them loose to save on fodder costs. Officials believe identifying and penalising such owners could serve as a deterrent. The House also rejected the proposal to introduce mechanical sweeping on 'C' roads (internal roads). Deputy mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi opposed the move, alleging it was being pushed under pressure from the Punjab government to "benefit close associates."...