GUWAHATI: Two community dogs have been killed within 48 hours in the Lakhimi Path locality of Beltola, prompting residents to file police complaints and organise night patrols to protect the area's remaining strays.
According to a First Information Report lodged at Hatigaon Police Station on July 30, Kaani, a 12-year-old, half-blind, vaccinated and sterilised community dog who had lived in the neighbourhood for years, was found dead under circumstances the complainant describes as suspicious.
Syeda Ambia Zahan, a resident who regularly takes care of the dogs, alleged in the complaint that a local resident, Robin Malakar, was involved in the killing and in an attempt to secretly dispose of the dog's body near a burial ground adjoining the South West Sarbajanin Naamghar. The complaint sought a post-mortem at Khanapara Animal Hospital, collection of CCTV evidence, and action under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Malakar was reportedly detained by police following the complaint but later released. A second, complaint filed on August 1 alleges that within a day of his release, another community dog, Boga, said to be Kaani's offspring and around eight years old was found dead on Ajanta Path, near Malakar's residence. Residents allege the killing was carried out by Malakar along with family members, in what they describe as a retaliatory act.
A second FIR (Case No. 156/2026) has since been registered under Section 325 of the BNS. As of now, no arrest has been made and the accused remains at large, prompting concern among residents about further attacks on street dogs in the area. Local caretakers say they have begun organising night watches until police complete their investigation.
While talking to GPlus, Zahan claimed that the investigation is being carried out at a very slow pace.