Miscreants 'electrocute' 6 stray dogs in Netaji Nagar

Kolkata: Six stray dogs were allegedly killed by electrocution on Tuesday night in Netaji Nagar. A woman who used to feed the dogs has lodged a complaint on Wednesday at the Netaji Nagar police station.

According to the complainant identified as Mallika Sarkar, she is an animal lover and since 1995 she used to feed stray dogs and cats inside the premises of her residence located at 211, N S C Bose Road in Netaji Nagar. Sarkar owns a house on a two cottah land, while on another two cottah land, which is also owned by her, a temporary structure has been constructed to provide shelter to abandoned and stray animals.

Sarkar alleged that for a long time, a group of people who are connected to real estate promoting and syndicate business in the area, have been harassing her. She suspects that she is their target as she owns a huge property worth several crores.

On Thursday she said: "Since 1995 I am working for the stray dogs. From 2011 I have started providing shelter for the dogs and cats. What I have today is inherited from my ancestors. I use my property and savings for these animals which need care and love. I suspect that the accused persons are targeting me. As they cannot kill me, they are trying to harass me this way. They had earlier poisoned some cats and dogs as well."

On Wednesday, the bodies of the dogs were sent to the Veterinary Hospital in Belgachia, where their autopsy examination was done on Thursday. Though police initiated an FIR against several people including a woman, no action has been taken till Thursday night.

Deputy Commissioner, South Suburban Division (SSD), Sudeep Sarkar said: "It seems like an accident. Probe is on. We are waiting for the autopsy report."

Sarkar alleged that earlier on several occasions she had approached police and locals requesting help to stop such activities, but no one reportedly helped her. She even stated that police had earlier asked her to bring the accused persons so that they can take actions.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a youth allegedly cut off one leg of a puppy at Suri in Birbhum on Tuesday. It is alleged that locals detained the youth and handed him over to police. However, police allegedly let the accused go on Tuesday night. Since Wednesday morning, the accused is reportedly absconding.