Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 14: A day after Chembur's suspected serial cat killer, a 40-year-old homeless man identified as Shiva, was arrested, he was released on bail on Saturday, raising concern among animal lovers and activists.
Shiva was arrested by the RCF police on Friday night based on CCTV footage and accounts from two eyewitnesses.
He was booked under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Police suspect him of killing more than 20 cats and kittens whose bodies were found in Panjrapol and surrounding areas since August.
Local cat feeder Rubeena Pathan told TOI that animal lovers were initially relieved after the RCF police arrested the suspected accused on Friday night. However, he was released on bail by Saturday afternoon after being produced before a court.
“This means that he is once again a free man and can harm more animals,” Pathan said.
Pathan alleged that Shiva had confessed to killing several cats because they disturbed him and had also shown police the locations where he had allegedly buried the felines.
“However, now that he has been released, we don't know if he can be traced again,” she said.
Animal rights organisation PETA India expressed disappointment over Shiva's release and said it would approach senior Mumbai police officers seeking his re-arrest. The organisation had earlier announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to the identification of the suspected serial cat killer.
PETA India has also urged DCP Sameer Shaikh to invoke relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in connection with the alleged possession of marijuana, which was reportedly recovered from Shiva at the time of his arrest.
Senior psychiatrist Dr Anjali Chhabria said suspected drug use along with homelessness warranted a psychological evaluation. She said marijuana can trigger psychosis in some individuals and may contribute to violent behaviour.
Psychiatrist Dr Shefali Batra said the discovery of around 20 dead and mutilated cats over a period suggested possible premeditation and ritualistic behaviour.
She said the perpetrator could be expressing underlying rage, powerlessness or a need for control through vulnerable animals.
At least 20 cats and kittens have been found dead in Chembur's Panjrapol and surrounding areas since August.