Pune: In a shocking and distressing incident late Tuesday night, a six-month-old puppy was reportedly subjected to a brutal assault by a group of unauthorized hawkers operating along Mahatma Gandhi Road (Main Street) in Camp, Pune. The incident took place around 11:30 pm, near Dinshaw Opticians, after most commercial establishments had closed for the day.
Eyewitnesses and local animal welfare volunteers stated that the puppy, which belonged to balloon vendors working on MG Road, had been left tied and unattended when the assault occurred. A group of hawkers allegedly surrounded the dog, forced it into a sack, and beat it mercilessly with bamboo sticks until it became unconscious.
The severely injured puppy was immediately transported to the Mission Possible Foundation, an animal rescue centre, where it arrived in critical condition—unconscious and bleeding heavily.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among animal rights groups and citizens, who have condemned the attack as an act of extreme cruelty. Concerns have also been raised about the growing presence of unauthorized hawkers on MG Road and the potential risks they pose to public safety.
Images and videos of the assault are circulating online, prompting a wave of anger and sorrow across Pune. Residents and animal lovers are demanding strict legal action against those responsible.
Two individuals have been identified in the complaint—Nabil Shaikh, who is believed to be a resident of the Lashkar area, and another individual known as Sufyan, whose details remain incomplete but is also suspected to be from the same locality.
As per the information provided, the incident reportedly escalated after officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Encroachment Department arrived, causing panic among the hawkers operating illegally. In the commotion, one of them allegedly stepped on the puppy’s tail. The startled dog reacted instinctively by grabbing at the person’s pants. This prompted a violent retaliation from the group, who restrained the animal with a rope and then beat it.
It was further reported that a teenage eyewitness was threatened by the attackers and warned against revealing any details of what he had seen.
Residents familiar with the puppy have expressed deep concern, stating that the animal was a familiar sight in the area and generally well-behaved. They described the attack as deeply inhumane and traumatic.
Law enforcement officials from Lashkar police station have confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed. The accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 325 (causing grievous hurt), 352 (assault or criminal force), and 351(2) (punishment for assault). Additional charges have been pressed under Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act for inflicting unnecessary pain and suffering on an animal.
Police officials have assured the public that the case is being handled with the utmost seriousness and that strict legal measures will be taken against the perpetrators. Authorities have also encouraged citizens to remain alert and report any instances of violence or cruelty towards animals.
