Dog attack in Hathijan: owner arrested, booked under new penal provisions

In the aftermath of the fatal dog attack that claimed the life of a 4-month-old infant in Hathijan, the Ahmedabad Rural Police have arrested the dog’s owner, Dilip Patel, under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The dog, identified as a Rottweiler named Rocky, was reportedly unregistered and unvaccinated at the time of the incident.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Aastha Rana, the owner failed to comply with mandatory pet registration norms. Dilip Patel has been booked under BNS Section 106(1) for causing death by negligence — which carries a maximum sentence of five years — and Section 291 for committing an act likely to result in death, which entails up to six months imprisonment.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the Rottweiler had a history of aggression and had previously bitten people. The latest attack occurred when the dog, brought down for a walk by a female resident of the building, suddenly broke free and mauled a young woman and the infant she was carrying. The child, Rishika, sustained severe injuries and died during treatment.

CCTV footage and statements from the accused confirm that the woman who brought the dog to the society’s premises will also face legal action. Police officials said both the dog’s past behaviour and lack of compliance with regulations formed key grounds for registering the offence.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage in the Hathijan locality, with residents questioning the lax enforcement of pet safety norms. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s CNCD (Control and Nuisance Control Department) unit has since taken custody of the dog.

A senior police officer added, “This tragic incident could have been prevented, had the owner followed due legal procedures. Let this be a stern reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.”

Police at Vivekanandnagar station are continuing further investigations.