Mumbai: After a city-based advocate filed a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) regarding stray dogs attack on a watchman in an Andheri housing society, the SHRC directed the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone X, and other relevant authorities to submit reports in the matter.
The case pertains to an incident on March 6, when watchman Ramachandra Shinde was allegedly attacked by stray dogs at the Vastu Shilp society in Andheri. The SHRC complaint includes allegations that during the incident, a man identified as Hardik Pasi (25), who had come down with his own pet dog to feed strays, allegedly physically assaulted Shinde when the watchman tried to defend himself.
According to the police report filed in response to the SHRC directive, the incident was initially brought to their notice through social media. The Meghwadi police then contacted Shinde to confirm whether he wished to register a complaint. It was only after Advocate Anil D’Souza took Shinde to the police station that a formal FIR was registered.
The police further informed the commission that an FIR has been filed against Pasi, and they have also communicated the matter to the BMC. Following this, the BMC’s dog squad visited the location on March 10 and captured four stray dogs from the premises.
Regarding the status of the criminal investigation, the police stated that they are awaiting the medical certificate from the Medical Officer of Trauma Care Hospital, Jogeshwari. Once received, the charge sheet will be filed in the case.
In its report to the commission, the BMC stated that a total of 424,960 stray dogs have undergone sterilization surgeries between 1994 and April 2025. The figures include 14,954 dogs sterilized in 2023, 16,849 in 2024, and 6,597 until April 2025.
In connection with the present case, BMC officials reported that when they visited the Vastu Shilp society, a crowd of 100–150 residents had gathered, demanding the permanent removal of aggressive dogs. The report noted that six dogs at the location had already been sterilized.
Based on information from local dog lovers, many others had also undergone sterilization. The BMC revisited the area with its dog squad and captured four aggressive dogs, which were then sent to the Deonar IDI shelter. All these dogs, including others at the site, had previously been sterilized.
The SHRC took cognizance of an online complaint filed by Advocate Anil D’Souza, based on a video clip circulated on YouTube. The video reportedly shows multiple dogs attacking a watchman, and as he attempted to save himself, a supposed animal lover began assaulting him.
In its interim order, the SHRC noted: “The incident presents dual concerns—first, the issue of stray dog attacks, and second, the assault on a victim by an alleged animal lover. It is imperative to investigate the actions taken by state authorities to address the menace of stray dogs and to ensure the protection of human rights of individuals who are victims of such attacks.”
