Kolkata: A long-standing conflict over feeding stray dogs in north Kolkata’s Shyampukur neighborhood escalated into alleged violent altercations, death threats, and cross-complaints, prompting local authorities to register cross FIRs.The dispute began in late July near Abhoy Ghosh Lane during late-evening hours. According to police records and local testimony, the confrontation began when an elderly female animal welfare enthusiast attempted to feed street dogs near a residential building entrance.The activity led to an immediate dispute with building representatives and local residents regarding public space access, sanitation, and safety concerns related to barking animals, the incident keeping the area tense till FIRs got registered between Aug 11 -Aug 15. “I had begun feeding 20 years ago after seeing acid burns on a dog. I feed dogs at multiple places using special utensils. The flat owners had complained after I had served food on the opposite pavement. Recently, one dog was getting blind and he was being attacked by other dogs. yet they removed that dog through KMC. I had protested leading to the new round of friction,” said Sweta Kanjilal (62), the victim, said they have video evidence.The incident quickly deteriorated into physical violence and severe criminal intimidation. According to the complaint worker stationed at the building charged toward the woman with a wooden stick while she was feeding the stray animals, attempting to strike her head and body. Passersby intervened to verbally halt the physical assault.Unable to proceed, the attacker and several associates allegedly hurled vulgar abuse, threatening to throw acid on the elderly resident to disfigure her and beat her to death before taking shelter behind the building’s locked iron gate.Conversely, a counter-complaint lodged by building residents presents a starkly different account of the same night. According to their statement, the altercation started when the complex caretaker used a stick to disperse animals away from the gate. Residents allege that multiple individuals from the neighborhood then converged on the premises, hurling aggressive verbal abuse and challenging flat owners from the street. When several residents descended to de-escalate the situation, the group allegedly attempted to breach the property, issuing direct death threats and threatening the female flat owner with an acid attack whenever she stepped outside.Local police officers conducted an inquiry in the area, interviewing neighbours who confirmed that disputes over stray dog feeding in the vicinity have been a persistent issue involving frequent heated exchanges.“Investigation has revealed that individuals from both sides have claimed influential background connections and past administrative authority to intimidate opponents during recurring arguments over fod feeding,” said an officer.Following the preliminary investigation, law enforcement registered official First Information Reports under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — including Section 79 for acts intending to insult the modesty of a woman, Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation, and Section 3(5) for acts executed with common intention.Cops confirmed that formal legal proceedings are underway to investigate all claims, maintain public order, and ensure the safety of all parties involved in the area.
