MUMBAI: Nearly 20 cats have been killed and their mutilated bodies found in Chembur’s Panjrapole area, prompting the RCF police to register an FIR against unidentified accused.The FIR was registered on September 9 after local caregiver Rubeena Pathan approached the police with a complaint. PETA India, which worked with Pathan and the RCF police, has announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.Pathan had found mutilated cat bodies in August. On September 4, she discovered six more bodies, with the animals’ internal organs visible. The following morning, she found another dead cat and a kitten in a severely distressed condition.Police are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the suspects.The case has been registered under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Sections 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Section 325 deals with killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering an animal useless and provides for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, or both.PETA India Cruelty Response Officer Ishani Rathee said people should report animal cruelty to the police, adding that research has linked animal cruelty with other forms of offending.PETA India also commended RCF senior police inspector Dattatray Patil for directing the registration of the FIR.
