Victoria Horse Carriage Spotted In Mumbai Despite Ban; FIR Filed After PETA Complaint

Mumbai: Despite a court-imposed ban, a Victoria horse carriage was recently spotted operating in Mumbai, prompting police action. Based on a complaint by animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the Gamdevi Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified horse carriage operator.

The Bombay High Court has prohibited the use of Victoria horse carriages for both passenger and goods transport in Mumbai. However, these carriages continue to operate in violation of the order.

On May 12, Urvi Shah, a resident of Malabar Hill, witnessed a Victoria carriage transporting people near Babulnath’s Seaface Junction in the Gamdevi area. She immediately recorded a video of the incident and reported it to Saloni Sakaria (32), the Mumbai coordinator for PETA.

Following the complaint, Sakaria alleged that the horse was subjected to cruelty and forced to carry an excessive load. She filed a formal complaint against the carriage driver and owner at the Gamdevi Police Station.

On Saturday, Gamdevi Police recorded Sakaria's detailed statement and subsequently registered a case against the carriage operator under Sections 11 and 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, along with Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is ongoing.