A woman in Bengaluru allegedly killed one of her three pet dogs during a suspected black magic ritual, officials said on Saturday. The grim incident came to light after neighbours reported a foul odour coming from her apartment.
Authorities identified the woman as Triparna Payak. According to officials, she strangled her Labrador, cut its neck, wrapped the body in cloth, and locked the flat before fleeing. A few days later, residents alerted the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) about the strong stench.
When civic staff forced open the door, they discovered the decomposing body of the dog with a deep neck wound. Investigators also found religious items scattered around, suggesting that a tantric ritual might have been performed.
Two other dogs were found alive but tied to a wall inside the apartment. “The dogs are receiving treatment at the BBMP hospital,” said Dr. Rudresh Kumar, who filed the complaint.
A post-mortem examination confirmed the Labrador had been dead for around four days.
Police registered a case against the woman under animal cruelty laws at Mahadevpura police station. Officials are probing whether the killing was driven by occult practices or if the woman’s mental health was a factor.
Originally from West Bengal, the accused remains untraceable.
The shocking case has raised serious concerns about pet welfare and triggered widespread condemnation online, with many demanding strict legal action.