In a shocking incident that unfolded on Friday, June 23, 2023, a group of men armed with knives and blades launched a vicious assault on a young girl and her brother who were engaged in feeding stray dogs in Mumbai's Charni Road. According to a report published in the Free Press Journal, the victims, identified as Simran (22) and her 14-year-old brother, suffered injuries and were rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention. This report details the incident, the subsequent actions taken by authorities and an NGO, and highlights the broader issue of cruelty towards stray animals.
Attack and Immediate Response
The attack occurred in the Sikka Nagar area of C.P. Tank, located in Mumbai's Charni Road. Promptly informed about the incident, a police van swiftly arrived at the scene to provide assistance. Meanwhile, Just Smile Charitable Trust, a renowned NGO, took immediate action by accompanying Simran to JJ Hospital for medical treatment. The trust further supported her in filing a First Information Report (FIR) at the local police station the following morning, ensuring legal recourse against the attackers.
Extent of Injuries and Systemic Harassment
Simran endured a traumatic experience, requiring more than 46 stitches during her treatment at JJ Hospital. Her younger brother also sustained injuries in the assault, emphasizing the severity of the attack and its impact on the victims. Reports indicate that the siblings had been subjected to repeated abuse and harassment while engaging in their act of compassion towards stray dogs in the neighborhood. The accused individuals would hurl derogatory comments at Simran and issue threats to both children, solely due to their involvement in feeding the dogs.
Identification of Attackers
The assailants responsible for the brutal assault were identified as Rajkumar Mishra, Ritika Mishra, and Rajesh Mishra, who happened to be neighbors of the victims. This discovery has shed light on the distressing reality that danger can sometimes come from unexpected quarters within communities.
Pattern of Abuse
This alarming incident was not an isolated event. Prior to the attack on Simran and her brother, the perpetrators had targeted the younger sibling, leading to the filing of a complaint at VP Nagar Police Station. Authorities had warned the attackers following that incident, yet their actions escalated, resulting in the more recent and severe assault.
Legal and Community Response
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court, in a separate but relevant development, recently addressed the issue of cruelty towards stray animals. Justices Girish Kulkarni and R.N. Laddha emphasized that mistreatment of stray dogs is unacceptable, as it goes against constitutional values and legal provisions. The court specifically directed a cooperative housing society in suburban Mumbai to cooperate with Abodh Aras, representing the Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD), in finding a suitable feeding spot for 18 territorial stray dogs.
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