After criticism from the Bombay High Court, Bhayandar police have vowed to re-investigate the assault on a stray dog named Sheru by housing society members. The court’s reprimand has led to a renewed effort to ensure justice. Public outrage over the incident had already put the initial investigation under scrutiny.
Mumbai: The Bhayandar Police Station informed the Bombay High Court that it will re-investigate the case of a stray dog named Sheru being attacked by some members of a housing society in the Bhayandar area of Thane district.
The case brought to the court’s attention by actor Sandhya Gemawat, who filed a plea stating that she had been taking care of some strays living in her housing society in Bhayandar West. Gemawat‘s plea, filed through advocate Anand Mishra, highlighted a previous incident where a dog named Patlu killed, and claimed that in 2021, the society members “bent upon killing Sheru”.
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The plea alleged that the society members had mercilessly beaten the dog, and Gemawat had taken photographs of Sheru’s severe injuries, which presented before the court.
The bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Shyam Chandak is presiding over the case.
Mishra presented to the bench that Gemawat filed an FIR under sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 429 (maiming animal), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code, along with other relevant provisions, to protect the life and interests of animals.
In response, an FIR has also been lodged against Gemawat. However, Mishra highlighted that the Bhayandar police informed the actor that despite the offence against Sheru, the case could not be investigated and would, therefore, be closed.
Mishra alleged that a local MLA’s involvement causing the police to act under political pressure. Consequently, Mishra requested the court to annul the Bhayandar police’s letter from March 2023 and reinstate the FIR filed in 2022.
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After the bench criticized the police’s reckless approach, Additional Public Prosecutor Sukanta Karmakar, representing the police, took instructions and stated that the case would be re-investigated.
The bench scheduled to hear the plea again on August 7.
Animal welfare advocates hopeful that this renewed effort will not only bring justice for Sheru but also raise awareness about the plight of stray animals and the importance of compassionate treatment towards them.
The case continues to be closely watched by both the local community and national animal rights organizations, who united in their demand for justice and the protection of voiceless animals like Sheru.