03 December,2021 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Anurag Kamble
The Kutchi Sarvoday Nagar housing society in Govandi
The deaths of four stray dogs has turned a housing society in Govandi into a battleground with a pet lover blaming a circular issued by the society, restricting residents from feeding pets in the society premises. The society members claim they had no hand in the deaths and alleged the matter has been blown out of proportion, defaming the society.
A number of society office-bearers have resigned, claiming unnecessary harassment while the pet lover, who lives on rent, has been asked to vacate the flat by his landlord. The situation turned so bad that police had to step in and ask both parties to sort it out and reach an amicable solution.
The issue began on June 4 when the Kutchi Sarvoday Nagar housing society issued an eight-point circular which stated feeding pets in the premises will not be allowed. Soon after this, Sanket Bhat and a few other pet lovers raised their objection to it.
"Many residents who used to feed strays, around 20 to 25 of them, living in the compound stopped after the circular, leading to starvation of the strays. However, despite objections from society members, I continued feeding them till November," said Bhat, an event management professional.
A fortnight ago, four stray dogs were found dead within a week. "The first death occurred when I was here, but three others died while I was out of town for some work. I found this unusual and informed Deonar police station, following which an FIR was registered against an unknown person," he said, adding that while the deaths could be natural, there is also a chance of foul play, hence they are awaiting the forensic report.
The issue became serious on November 28 when Bhat and a few others demanded a meeting with committee members to remove the point on feeding pets from the circular. While Bhat claims the members did not listen to him and abused and tried to attack him and his wife, society members said they were beaten up by Bhat and gang. This led to both sides registering complaints with Deonar police.
Hardik Maru, president of the housing society committee, said, "The circular was about pet owners and pets, we did not mention anything about strays. We took the step after several residents complained to us about pets peeing and pooping in the premises."
"When the person tried to talk to us, we told him his landlord must come as he was a tenant, and set up a meeting on November 28. But I was threatened by Sanket and a few unknown people that day. Some people, who claimed they were members of a political party, even threatened us. Was that necessary? Names of our society and committee members have been posted on social media; all it has done is defame our community," Maru added.
Sagar Haria, a committee member, said, "People should verify before levelling such allegations. The matter has damaged the society's image."
"We have registered an FIR against unknown persons regarding the death of two strays. The forensic report is yet to come. We will have a meeting of all the stakeholders in the housing society," said Savlaram Agwane, senior inspector, Deonar Police station.
Bhat said, "Due to this whole issue, my flat owner has served me a notice and asked me to vacate the flat before December 31."
When contacted, Kalpesh Nagda, the flat owner, said, "My agreement with Sanket was for three years but the lock-in period was only 12 months, which is over. Now, I want my flat for my own use, and it has nothing to do with the issue. But as far as my view is concerned, residents and animal lovers should respect each other."
