Bengaluru: A 33-year-old neurosurgeon in Bengaluru has been booked for allegedly throwing a stray dog from the second floor of his apartment, leading to its death. The incident took place in the early hours of April 20 at Brindavan Apartments in Lakkasandra, southeast Bengaluru, as reported by The Indian Express.
The dog, named Scooby, was a community pet cared for by the residents of the apartment complex. According to a complaint filed by Ayush Bannerjee, a 22-year-old student, Scooby fell onto a parked car, shattering its windshield and suffering fatal head injuries. Residents of the complex reported that they saw Dr. Sagar Ballal, the accused, enter his apartment shortly after the incident and lock the door, ignoring calls and leaving the lights off for the rest of the night.
When confronted the next morning, Dr. Ballal denied any involvement in the incident. Based on the complaint, the Adugodi police have booked him under Section 325 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to causing grievous harm to animals.
This was reportedly the second incident involving Scooby. On February 5, the dog had been found injured under similar circumstances and was treated for a broken spine at a veterinary hospital in the city. Scooby had only returned to the apartment complex a few days before the fatal incident.
Additionally, the police complaint mentions a previous allegation against Dr. Ballal in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in 2022, where he was accused by the animal rights group People for Animals of harming a stray dog. However, the Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed the FIR in 2024, citing insufficient evidence.
