Navi Mumbai: An anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) at the newly developed market in Sector 14, Kharghar last week, resulted in the tragic death of three Indian breed puppies. Kharghar police is accused of downplaying the incident by registering the FIR under wrong sections.
The drive, aimed at removing hawkers who were allegedly occupying more space than allotted, took a grim turn when a JCB machine was deployed to remove the encroachments.
“It was observed that vendors had exceeded their designated space. Typically, the Corporation seizes the goods, but for reasons unknown, a JCB was used this time. Actually the section to be applied was BNS 325 and animal cruelty act 11 (1) L but police have registered the case under section 11 (1) C which is giving drugs to animals. Additionally no statement was taken of the eye witness and instead has lodged a complaint on their own. This indicates that the police are trying to shield PMC officials ,” said Vijay Rangare, President of People for Animals (Mumbai).
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Following public outrage and protests by animal rights activists, the Kharghar police registered an FIR. Activist Adarsh Kamble, who was present at the site during the incident, condemned the manner in which the operation was carried out.
“The drive lacked any prior notice or proper planning. There were no permanent structures or sheds that warranted the use of heavy machinery. It was a space primarily used by hawkers. In their haste, the authorities ended up killing three innocent puppies,” Kamble said.
According to Senior Inspector Dipak Surve, two puppies were crushed under the JCB and died on the spot, while the third, though initially rescued, succumbed to its injuries the next day during treatment at a private clinic.
“The puppies were inside a crate, which had been kept upside down by the vendors. Unfortunately, the crate was not spotted in time by the operator,” he added. The police have confirmed that a case has been filed against the JCB operator.
