Mumbai: A teacher and animal lover lodged a complaint with the police, alleging that a member of her housing society in Bhandup tortured a street dog and poured a harmful chemical into the dog’s eye, leading to bleeding and permanent damage to one of its eyes.
The complaint was filed by Rita Victor Montero (45), who lives in Gagangiri CHS, Netaji Subhash Road, Bhandup West. Montero, has been caring for a stray dog named Rani. She ensured Rani’s vaccinations and got her medically treated her whenever necessary. According to Rita, the dog is protected under the directives of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, which prohibits harming or eviction of stray dogs from society premises.
According to the police, Rani first showed signs of distress in Oct 2024, when she was seen bleeding from her right eye. A veterinarian confirmed that a harmful chemical caused the injury. Subsequently, Rita’s daughter, Ritika, allegedly caught society resident Abhilasha Shinde in the act of applying a red-coloured chemical to the dog’s eyes. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage from the society premises, Rita discovered repeated instances of Shinde torturing Rani by pouring chemicals into her eyes.
Despite Rita bringing the matter to the attention of society Chairman Ashok Kadam, Shinde reportedly continued her cruel actions. As a result, Rani’s right eye was permanently damaged. Rita has since been providing treatment for the injured dog while gathering evidence, including CCTV footage, to substantiate her allegations, said police.
The Bhandup police have registered an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act on Rita’s complaint and are reviewing the CCTV.