Noida: A couple was allegedly assaulted by four men following an argument over walking a dog unleashed in Jaypee Greens Kosmos in Sector 134 on Monday evening. Two of the accused were arrested, while police are scanning CCTV footage from the society to ascertain the chain of events.According to police, the couple was sitting in a park within the society around 8pm when another resident was walking a pet German Shepherd that was allegedly not on a leash or muzzle. As the dog approached the couple, they allegedly asked the owner to follow safety norms and put the dog on a leash.The owner, however, took offence and allegedly began arguing with the couple, using abusive language. The situation escalated when he called three friends to the spot, after which the four allegedly assaulted the couple. The couple claimed they were kicked and punched in front of other residents. The woman alleged that the accused shoved and tried to molest her during the assault.They submitted a complaint at Expressway police station, and an FIR was subsequently lodged under BNS sections 74 (assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 352 (intentional insult). Two of the accused were taken into preventive custody.A senior police official said statements of witnesses were being recorded and CCTV footage from the society was being examined to establish the sequence of events. The allegations under BNS Section 74 are being probed, police said.Noida Authority’s pet policy requires owners to put animals on a leash in common areas. As per the Animal Welfare Board of India guidelines, pet dogs should, as far as possible, use the service lift of the society for movement. The owner must ensure careful handling of the dog in the lift, preferably using a muzzle where necessary, so that no risk is posed to other people or animals. If a pet dog defecates in a public place, it is the responsibility of the owner to clean it up.
