Police have arrested a 40-year-old man for allegedly killing around 20 stray cats in Chembur, Mumbai. The accused has been identified as Shiva Keshav Joshi.
Police traced Joshi using CCTV footage from the area. During questioning, he allegedly confessed to killing the cats in anger.
Several dead and injured cats and kittens were found in the area in early September. PETA India had announced a ₹50,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the person responsible.
The accused is a resident of Panvel in Raigad district. The reason behind his actions is still being ascertained.
Four cats found dead on September 3
Rubina Abdul Malik Pathan, who has been feeding and treating stray cats in the area for the past five to six years, found four cats dead on September 3, according to her complaint.
On the morning of September 6, she went to feed the cats near the Shani temple, where she found a cat and her kitten covered in blood. Both had suffered head injuries, which appeared to have been caused by a heavy or sharp object.
Bodies sent for post-mortem
Rubina contacted PETA India and other animal welfare organisations for assistance. On their advice, the bodies of the two cats found on September 6 were sent to an animal hospital in Parel for post-mortem examinations and further investigation.
With the help of Pooja Srivastava, Rubina filed a complaint at the RCF police station. Police subsequently registered an FIR against an unidentified person under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and other relevant sections.
