Swargate Police Register Case Against Red Mercedes-Benz Owner
Pune, November 26, 2024: A tragic incident unfolded in the city’s Swargate area, where a 17-year-old pet dog named Dangi was allegedly run over and killed in a deliberate act of cruelty. The Swargate Police Station has registered an FIR (No. 506/2024) under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Section 325 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused, identified as Sachin Kataria, is alleged to have deliberately run over the dog with his red Mercedes-Benz (MH 12 MB 0407) near Poornima Tower on Shankar Sheth Road.
The complaint was filed by Ms. Padmini Peter Stamp, the director of the Mission Possible Foundation, an animal welfare organization operational since 2006. The organization takes care of stray dogs, cats, and other animals in Pune.
Incident Details
According to Ms. Stamp’s acquaintance, Arun Vinod Pawar, the tragic incident occurred on November 25, 2024, at approximately 4:30 PM. Pawar, who is the caretaker of Dangi, reported that the dog was resting near the entrance of Poornima Tower, close to Eva’s Grace Hotel. CCTV footage allegedly shows Kataria’s red Mercedes-Benz deliberately hitting the dog, leaving it fatally injured.
Pawar initially retrieved the dog’s body and buried it near the tower premises. Upon learning of the incident, Ms. Stamp instructed Pawar to move the body to the freezer at the Mission Possible Foundation’s office for further examination. Later that night, Ms. Stamp, along with her workers, Jitendra Kumar Mandal and Govindkumar Mandal, inspected the dog’s body and found visible crush injuries consistent with being run over by a car. The CCTV footage, which was reviewed on Pawar’s phone, further supported their suspicions.
Previous Altercations
In a startling revelation, Pawar alleged that this was not the first time the accused had exhibited such behavior. On prior occasions, Kataria reportedly attempted to harm Dangi, who often rested near the building’s gate. Pawar claimed to have confronted Kataria about his behavior, which temporarily halted the aggressive actions. However, this time, the accused allegedly acted with fatal intent.
Legal Action Initiated
The group, including Pawar and Ms. Stamp’s colleagues, approached the Swargate Police Station the following day to lodge a formal complaint. After presenting the evidence, including the CCTV footage, the police registered an FIR against the accused. A postmortem of the dog’s body is also being arranged to confirm the cause of death.
Accusations Against the Driver
The complainants argue that Kataria’s actions were deliberate and motivated by disdain for the stray animal. “It was not an accident but a clear and conscious act of cruelty,” stated Ms. Stamp. She emphasized the need for justice and stronger enforcement of animal protection laws to prevent such incidents.
Community Outrage
The incident has sparked outrage among animal rights activists and residents in the Swargate area. Many have expressed their shock and demanded swift action against the accused. “This is not just an act of cruelty but a reflection of the disregard some people have for life, human or animal,” said a local resident.
Police Investigation Underway
The Swargate Police are actively investigating the matter. An officer from the station confirmed that they have registered a case under relevant sections and are reviewing the CCTV footage for additional evidence. If found guilty, the accused could face severe penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and other applicable laws.
Call for Justice
Ms. Stamp has urged authorities to treat this case with the seriousness it deserves, stating, “Animals are voiceless victims. It is our duty to ensure they are protected and respected. Dangi’s death should not be in vain.”
The incident has once again brought the plight of stray and domesticated animals into focus, highlighting the urgent need for better awareness and stringent legal frameworks to prevent cruelty against animals.