Navi Mumbai Crime: Panvel Police Files FIR Against Unidentified Person For Throwing 7-Month-Old Puppy From High-Rise Tower; CCTV Probe Underway

Navi Mumbai: Panvel police have registered a case against an unidentified person for allegedly throwing a 6 to 7-month-old stray puppy from a building in the Marathon Nexzone residential complex at Palaspe, Panvel, leading to the puppy's death. The incident took place on Sunday evening and has sparked outrage among animal lovers and residents.

According to police, the puppy had been living in the premises of the upscale society along with other stray dogs and was often seen playing with children. Around 5.15 pm on Sunday, an unidentified individual reportedly threw the puppy from a considerable height within the society’s premises. The puppy landed on the metal roofing of the generator room, causing a loud noise that alerted the security guards. On inspection, the guards found the puppy dead.

"The Marathon Nexzone complex consists of 31-storey towers with tight security and restricted access, making it unlikely for an outsider or even a stray animal to access the upper floors. Residents and animal welfare activists believe that the puppy could not have reached the height on its own and suspect that someone from within the society who disapproves of the presence of stray dogs may have committed the act," said a police officer.

Each apartment in the society is equipped with safety railings, further eliminating the possibility of an accidental fall. Residents sympathetic to stray animals claim that the act was deliberate and cruel, carried out by someone harboring animosity toward strays.

It is also reported that the society had witnessed previous disputes between residents regarding the feeding and presence of stray dogs within the premises. While a few animal lovers regularly fed the dogs, others objected to their presence, leading to tensions within the community.

Based on a complaint filed by local animal welfare advocates, Panvel police have registered a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and have initiated an investigation to identify the person responsible. "We are checking the cctv footages to ascertain who would have done that," the officer added.