FIR FOR ALLEGED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A BITCH

FIR FOR ALLEGED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A BITCH

16-OCT-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------A disturbing case of animal cruelty has come to light in Sandesh area of Bhojpur district in Bihar, where a 45-year-old man has been accused of sexually assaulting a female dog. An FIR has been registered against Deepchand Ram, a resident of Bichhiyan village and father of six children (four daughters and two sons), following a complaint and intervention by animal rights activists.

According to the complainant, Mukesh Kumar, the accused had allegedly been targeting stray animals for nearly a year. On the night of 5 October, Mukesh and some others returning from fishing spotted Deepchand carrying a female dog towards his house. They followed him and claimed to have witnessed him taking the animal inside a room and committing the act. Mukesh said he recorded a video of the incident as evidence, since earlier complaints lacked concrete proof and were not taken seriously by villagers.

The matter gained momentum after the video was shared and PETA India was contacted. A formal complaint was then lodged at Sandesh police station. On 7 October, police registered an FIR under Section 62 and 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Sections 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(i) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Investigation is underway.

Villagers have described the accused’s behaviour as long-standing. Neighbour Guddu alleged that despite being a father of six, Deepchand repeatedly preyed on stray animals. Similar past incidents were reported by local boys, but without evidence, no action could be taken. After the video surfaced, the community treated the matter seriously and pushed for legal action.

Some residents have also raised concerns about the accused’s conduct towards women and girls in the village, claiming he often loitered and looked at them inappropriately. They argue that someone capable of such acts against animals poses a potential threat to human safety as well.

The female dog is currently under the care of a local caretaker. Deepchand Ram has reportedly fled after the incident and is absconding. The complainant has alleged that he is facing threats and pressure from certain people to withdraw the case, including warnings of false counter-complaints under other laws.

Animal rights groups and locals have demanded a thorough investigation, arrest of the accused, and strict legal action. They stress that such inhumane behaviour towards voiceless animals cannot be tolerated and must be punished according to the law.