Mumbai: Police have arrested a 40-year-old man for allegedly killing and mutilating nearly 20 cats in the Chembur area of Mumbai.
The accused was identified as Shiva Keshav Joshi (40), a resident of Panvel in neighbouring Raigad district.
“Joshi confessed during interrogation to killing the cats in a fit of rage, though the exact motive behind his actions is still being ascertained,” a police official said.
Local discovers carcasses
Local animal caregiver Rubeena Pathan had discovered several mutilated carcasses of cats in the Panjrapole locality of Chembur over a period of time, including six carcasses recovered last week.
Pathan and representatives of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India lodged a complaint at RCF Police Station.
PETA India had also announced a reward of up to Rs 50,000 for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator.
RCF Police registered a first information report (FIR) under Section 325 (mischief by killing or maiming an animal) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act.
Police scanned CCTV footage from surrounding areas and zeroed in on Joshi. Further investigation is underway, the official said.
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