Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 9: The Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against unidentified persons following the killing of around 20 cats and the recovery of their mutilated bodies in the Panjrapole area of Chembur.

The bodies were discovered by local animal caregiver Rubeena Pathan, following which the RCF Police initiated an investigation. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India worked with the police and the caregiver to ensure registration of the FIR.

Police are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas in an effort to identify those responsible for the killings. The identities of the accused remain unknown.

PETA India has announced a reward of up to Rs 50,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the deaths of the cats.

The case has been registered under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Sections 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Section 325 of the BNS deals with mischief involving the killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless of an animal and provides for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, or both.

The police have intensified efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and identify the perpetrators.