The gruesome event unfolded on Friday evening in the Kalan police station area, when the stray pet dog—belonging to local resident Bhupendra Sharma—wandered into a busy meat shop in the neighborhood. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Sharma, the shop owner, identified as Salim (aged 32), along with his associate Wasim (aged 28), flew into a rage over the animal's presence. Witnesses reported hearing the dog's distressed yelps as the duo attacked it repeatedly with a sharp cleaver typically used for butchering meat, inflicting fatal wounds to its neck and abdomen. The dog succumbed to its injuries on the spot, leaving a trail of blood across the shop floor.

Eyewitnesses, including nearby shopkeepers and passersby, described a chaotic scene: "The dog was just sniffing around; it wasn't harming anyone," said Rajesh Kumar, a vegetable vendor at the market. "Salim shouted abuses and grabbed his knife without warning. Wasim held the poor animal down." The accused reportedly fled the scene immediately after, discarding the bloodied weapon behind the shop, which police later recovered as key evidence.

Acting on Sharma's prompt complaint—lodged within hours of the incident—Kalan police launched a manhunt. Salim was apprehended late Friday night from a nearby hideout, while efforts continue to trace Wasim, believed to be in hiding. Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Diksha Bhavre confirmed the arrest, stating, "We have invoked Sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code for mischief by killing or maiming animals, alongside relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. A post-mortem examination of the dog has been conducted, confirming death due to multiple stab wounds."

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The case has ignited fury among animal rights activists and local residents, with protests gathering outside the police station demanding stricter punishment. Under the PCA Act, offenders face up to two years imprisonment and fines up to ₹50,000 for such cruelty. Investigations are ongoing, including CCTV footage review from the market area, to ascertain if prior complaints existed against the shop for similar behavior.

Police urge the public to report animal cruelty promptly and assure that justice will be served swiftly.

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