The Karnataka High Court has allowed police to continue their investigation into the disappearance of 21 stray dogs from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) campus in Bengaluru earlier this year, while directing authorities not to harass two officials named in the case.
The missing dogs were last seen inside the DRDO campus in March, prompting concerns from animal welfare groups and civic organisations.
Court protects officials from coercive action
Justice M. Nagaprasanna directed that no harassment or coercive steps be taken against estate officer Rajesh Kumar Sahu and cleaning supervisor TG Sudhakar, who have been named in an FIR registered by Mahadevapura police.
At the same time, the court made it clear that both officials must cooperate with the investigation to help authorities determine what happened to the animals.
Investigation to continue
The FIR was registered following a complaint by the Bengaluru East City Corporation (BECC), invoking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Appearing for the DRDO officials, Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath argued that the allegations against his clients were unfounded and that the offences cited in the FIR could not be linked to them.
However, counsel representing BECC contended that access to the highly secured DRDO campus is strictly regulated, making it necessary to investigate the circumstances under which the dogs disappeared.
Questions remain unanswered
The state also argued that a thorough investigation was required to establish what happened to the 21 stray dogs and determine their current whereabouts.
After hearing all parties, the court observed that the investigation should proceed regarding offences that genuinely warranted a probe.
Six weeks to complete probe
The High Court directed police to complete the investigation within six weeks and submit the investigation report or chargesheet before the court prior to filing it before the jurisdictional court.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 11.
The case has drawn attention from animal welfare activists, who continue to seek answers regarding the disappearance of the dogs from one of Bengaluru’s most secure government campuses.