Mumbai police are currently on the lookout for one or more individuals believed to be responsible for the gruesome killings of several cats in the Govandi area, particularly in Panjrapole. Reports indicate that approximately six cats have been found dead, with their bodies showing signs of severe mutilation. In response to these shocking incidents, the animal rights organization, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, has stepped in to offer a reward of ₹50,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved.
The situation escalated when a first information report (FIR) was lodged at the RCF police station on Monday, following a complaint from Rubina Pathan, a 53-year-old animal feeder from the area. Pathan reported discovering two deceased cats, including a kitten, in the Cama Wadi region of Govandi around 10 AM on Saturday, September 5. The FIR details that one of the cats appeared to have suffered a severe head injury from a heavy object, while the other also displayed signs of trauma.
- Previous incidents reported — Pathan indicated that four additional cats were found brutally killed just two days prior, on September 3, raising concerns about a possible serial killer in the area.
- Legal actions taken — The FIR has been registered under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.
- CCTV footage review underway — Police are actively examining nearby CCTV footage in hopes of identifying the suspect responsible for these heinous acts.
After discovering the bodies, Pathan took the initiative to deposit them at a veterinary hospital in Parel, after consulting with PETA India. The legal implications of these actions are significant, as Section 325 of the BNS categorizes such acts as cognizable offenses, punishable by imprisonment of up to five years, fines, or both.
PETA India has expressed its condemnation of this cruelty. Ishani Rathee, a cruelty response officer with PETA, stated, "Those who abuse animals often move on to harming other animals and humans. For everyone’s safety, it’s imperative that members of the public report cruelty to animals such as this one to the police." The organization has commended local police officials, particularly Sr. PI Dattatray Patil, for their prompt action in registering the FIR and sending a clear message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.
