Deesa: Renown protector of animals, jeevdaya volunteer and leading Jain community face, Bharat Kothari and two others are killed in a car accident near Jalore in Rajasthan. Deesa based Kothari was very active jeevdaya activist whose efforts saved and gave shelter to lakhs of cattle. Kothari in fact died reportedly while attempting to save an animal. He along with others was on way to darshan at Jain temple in Jahazpur in Rajasthan when he spotted a dog crossing a road. In order to save a dog, a speeding car tried to take turn, lost balance and turned upside down.

Leading Jeevdaya volunteer Bharat Kothari, two others killed in car accident in Rajasthan https://t.co/1cyG0FG4L5 pic.twitter.com/Yqrail3bXk

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) December 26, 2020

62-year old Kothari was running a panjrapol (large, permanent and well-organized cow/animal shelter) at Rajput-Deesa in Banakantha for last 37 years. Lakhs of cattle have survived due to this Panjrapol in all these years. Even at present there are 9,000 cattle in this panjrapol. Kothari was active in rescuing illegally transported cattle to slaughter house. He would stop such vehicle and protect the innocent animals from butchers. He would go to litigation whenever required. During the time of scarcity of water and even during current epidemic period, he had emerged as face of panjrapols operating in Gujarat.

Kothari, two other trustees of Rajpur – Deesa panjrapol were going to Jahazpur for darshan in Jain temple when accident happened near Jalore. Kothari was also awarded for his Jeevdaya work by then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. DeshGujarat