GUWAHATI: The sudden disappearance of four community dogs from Guwahati's Kahilipara Colony has left several residents distressed and raised concerns about the safety of community animals in the city.
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The dogs, known locally as Lalu (Tiger), Nachuni, Candy and Biscuit, went missing from the Bhairabtala Playground area on the night of June 3. Residents claim the animals, who had been living in the locality for years and were cared for by several households, vanished overnight without any trace.
For many residents, the incident is not merely about missing animals but about the disappearance of companions they had looked after for years.
Speaking to GPlus, resident of the area, Soubhik Das said, "We raised them with love and care. Even on the night before they went missing, I had fed them. The next morning, when I woke up, they were gone. Since then, there has been no sign of them."
The disappearance has also exposed differing attitudes towards community dogs within the locality.
Another resident told GPlus, "These dogs were harmless and were part of our neighbourhood. But many people criticised us for feeding them. Today, some of those same people seem happy that the dogs have disappeared."
A woman who had been caring for the dogs for several years said their disappearance has deeply affected her.
"Since that day, I have not been able to eat properly and I barely step out of my house. They were like family to me. After seeing CCTV footage showing a white car in the locality around that time, I began to suspect that the vehicle may be connected to what happened," she said.
The mystery surrounding the disappearance deepened after CCTV footage showed a white Maruti Suzuki Fronx entering Kahilipara Colony at approximately 4 a.m. on June 4, around the time the dogs are believed to have gone missing. The vehicle was also seen waiting in a CCTV blind spot, raising further suspicion.
Residents have also approached PETA India seeking intervention in the matter. They expressed concern that similar incidents involving community dogs have reportedly occurred in other parts of the city.
Speaking to GPlus, a police official from Fatasil Ambari Police Station said, "An investigation is underway based on the complaint received. We have traced a vehicle registration linked to Karbi Anglong and are verifying its possible connection with the incident. A suspect with a history of involvement in similar cases has also been identified. Efforts are underway to trace the individual and examine all available leads. The investigation is progressing positively."
While the fate of the four dogs remains unknown, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of community animals and the responsibilities of authorities when such disappearances are reported. For the residents who cared for them, however, the matter remains personal, they are still waiting for the familiar faces that once roamed their neighbourhood to return.
