MUMBAI: A 40-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing and mutilating nearly 20 stray cats in Chembur’s Panjrapole area, where the discovery of several carcasses had earlier prompted police to register a case against unidentified accused.The accused, identified as Shiva Keshav Joshi, a resident of Panvel in neighbouring Raigad district, was arrested after police examined CCTV footage from the surrounding areas and zeroed in on him.Police said Joshi confessed during interrogation to killing the cats in a fit of rage, though his exact motive was still being ascertained.Local animal caregiver Rubeena Pathan had discovered several mutilated cat carcasses in the area over a period of time, including six on September 4.The animals had been found with their internal organs exposed. The following morning, Pathan found another dead cat and a kitten in a severely distressed condition.Pathan and representatives of PETA India had approached RCF police, following which an FIR was registered on September 9 under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.Section 325 of the BNS deals with killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering an animal useless and provides for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, or both.PETA India had announced a reward of up to Rs 50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.Further investigation is underway.(With inputs from PTI)
