Bengaluru– A tragic incident in Battarahalli, east Bengaluru, has sparked outrage after five stray dogs died under suspicious circumstances, prompting an investigation by KR Pura police. The dogs, all known and cared for by residents, are suspected to have been poisoned between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm on June 18 along I Cross, Garden Avenue Road.
Ronni D’ Costa, a 52-year-old restaurant owner and long-time animal caregiver, filed a complaint under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with harming or killing animals.
Ronni, who owns Ronni Restaurant, has been feeding strays in the area for 15 years. “They were playful and healthy minutes before they started collapsing. I tried saving them, but it was too late,” he said. The five dogs — affectionately named Tiger, Chinese, Chiku, Leo, and Kalu — were sterilised and well looked after by the community.
Eyewitnesses say the dogs began bleeding and fell unconscious within moments. Locals tried giving them water and called a vet, but none could be revived.
Police have sent samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory and postmortem reports are awaited. CCTV footage in the vicinity provided no solid leads so far.
A senior BBMP official confirmed there were no complaints against these dogs and assured full cooperation in the investigation.
Residents have condemned the act online, calling it a “murder of innocents” and demanding swift justice.