A homeless man accused of killing stray cats in Mumbai’s Chembur area is released on bail within 24 hours of his arrest, prompting fresh criticism from animal activists. The RCF police arrest comes after alleged discovery of multiple dead cats and kittens in and around the Panjrapole area since August. Activists say they are alarmed by the quick release and are pressing for stronger legal and policing action.
Authorities arrest Shiva Keshav Joshi, a Panvel resident, after CCTV footage and statements from two eyewitnesses link him to the killings. Police suspect he was involved in the killing of more than 20 cats. Sources cited in reports also say Joshi allegedly confessed to the killings and led police to locations where some animals were buried. The FIR involves Rubina Abdul Malik Pathan, an animal feeder who reports finding injured dead cats and earlier alerted PETA.
Across outlets, the core facts remain consistent: the case is linked to alleged cruelty against stray animals, is registered under animal cruelty law provisions, and the suspect is granted bail shortly after arrest. Differences appear mainly in emphasis—one report details the sequence of complaints and subsequent legal provisions, while another highlights activists’ plans to approach senior police officers, including via PETA, seeking re-arrest.
