MUMBAI: Twenty-four hours after Chembur’s suspected serial cat killer, a 40-year-old homeless man identified as Shiva, was arrested, he was released on bail on Saturday, leaving animal lovers and activists alarmed.Shiva was arrested by the RCF police on Friday night based on CCTV footage and accounts of two eyewitnesses.He was charged under section 325 of BNS and other sections of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Police suspect him of killing more than 20 cats and kittens found dead in Panjrapol and surrounding areas since August.Local cat feeder Rubeena Pathan told TOI, “We were initially relieved when the accused cat killer was nabbed by the RCF police on Friday night. However, by Saturday afternoon, he was bailed out after being produced in court. This means that he is once again a free man and can harm more animals.”Pathan said Shiva had allegedly confessed to killing several cats because they disturbed him and had also shown police where he had buried the felines. “However, now that he has been released, we don’t know if he can be traced again,” she said. Animal rights group PETA India expressed disappointment over the release and said it would approach senior Mumbai police officers seeking his re-arrest. The group had earlier announced a Rs 50,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the suspected serial cat killer.PETA India has also urged DCP Sameer Shaikh to add relevant provisions of the NDPS Act for alleged possession of marijuana, reportedly recovered from Shiva when he was arrested.Senior psychiatrist Dr Anjali Chhabria said suspected drug use and homelessness warranted psychological evaluation. She said marijuana can cause psychosis in some people and may contribute to violent behaviour.Psychiatrist Dr Shefali Batra said the discovery of around 20 dead and mutilated cats over a period indicated possible premeditation and ritualistic behaviour. She said the perpetrator may be expressing underlying rage, powerlessness or a need for control through vulnerable animals. Since August, at least 20 cats and kittens have been found dead.
