Mumbai: A private firm's research scientist underwent nose reconstruction surgery following an alleged attack by two unleashed dogs--a pitbull and doberman--belonging to fellow residents of Jal Vayu Vihar in Powai. The incident took place on Saturday at 10.30am when Richa Kaushik-Arora (37) was walking towards another building to inspect renovation work at her second flat.
Powai police have filed charges against the dogs' owner Divyesh Virk, his driver and domestic help on Sunday. Police charged Virk and two others under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 291 (Negligent conduct with respect to animal). The Virk couple, traveling abroad, had left their dogs in the care of their driver and housemaid.
"We will be issuing a notice to the Virks upon their return from abroad. The charges against the three could result in six months imprisonment if proven guilty," said a Powai police station officer.
Sanchit, the victim's husband and former defence personnel, has lodged a complaint with the BMC regarding Virk's failure to implement safety measures before travelling.
Speaking to TOI, Sanchit said, "The attack occurred shortly after my wife left home to inspect renovation work. When Virk's car arrived downstairs, both unleashed dogs jumped out. The pitbull and Doberman attacked my wife, with the pitbull targeting her face, nose, hands and leg."
Jitendra Sharma, the victim's father who lives nearby, rushed her to Hiranandani hospital. "Virk's driver Atul Sawant and maid Swati were handling the dogs when they broke free and attacked my wife. She required nasal reconstruction as the nose piece was detached. We have also requested the BMC to take appropriate action," he explained.
A woman who suffered injuries while shielding her dog from a pitbull has raised concerns about attacks involving larger breeds. Therese Graham was walking her Maltese Shih Tzu, Milo, in Faulkner Road, Ravenswood, earlier this month when an American pitbull charged at them.
Describing the tension of the moment, Graham recalled, "The bites were getting harder and harder and I was screaming and thinking 'is this loud enough'?" She managed to escape by stepping over a fence and entering the house of a nearby friend, who helped by scaring the aggressive dog away with a broom.
Fortunately, Milo was unharmed, but the same pitbull went on to attack another woman just 40 minutes later.
Each of these incidents raises serious questions about pet ownership standards and how larger dogs are often inadequately controlled, leading to alarming encounters.
On March 25, a 37-year-old woman in Mumbai suffered serious injuries after being attacked by the same breeds, a Doberman and a Pitbull, in Jalvayu Vihar, Sector A. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 22, when Richa Sanchit Kaushik-Arora was on her way to check on the construction progress of her new home.
According to the police report, the dogs owned by local resident Divesh Virk, were being handled by his driver, Atul Sawant, and housekeeper, Swati. The animals suddenly charged at Richa, knocking her down and causing deep bites on her nose and thigh.
She was rushed to Hiranandani Hospital where she underwent immediate surgery, following which Powai police registered a case against Virk, Sawant, and Swati for negligent conduct regarding animals.
Authorities are expected to issue notices to the accused soon. Additionally, Richa's husband has approached the municipal corporation, demanding strict action in light of the event.
This incident has sparked concerns over pet safety and owner responsibility in residential areas. Residents have urged authorities to enforce stricter regulations to prevent similar attacks in the future.
With the rise in aggressive dog attacks being reported across various areas, addressing the balance between pet ownership and public safety remains a topic of urgent discussion among local communities.
