Family of three held hostage over feeding stray dogs in Gurugram

GURUGRAM: Residents of Vatika G21 Apartments in Sector 83 on Monday evening stopped a family of three that lives there from entering the complex for feeding stray dogs in the area, said police, adding that a case has been registered against unidentified persons under sections of molestation and rioting, based on a complaint from the family.

While residents of the condominium alleged that stray dogs had attacked over 20 people over the past three months, the police said the family -- husband, wife and their three-year-old daughter -- was held hostage in their car for nearly five hours.

The family recorded a video of the incident and posted it on social media platforms, where it was widely shared. The woman’s husband said he had also started a live session from inside the car to seek police intervention and show their plight.

Members of the residents’ welfare association (RWA) said that they had asked the family not to feed the strays, but despite repeated requests, they did not pay heed. “Stray dogs are attacking residents. Even a day before (the incident), one of the residents was bitten,” an RWA member said, requesting anonymity.

Praveen Kumar, another resident of the society, said that he had also filed a police complaint against the couple. “The couple lives in another block and I had already warned them several times not to do any activity outside my apartment. If they want to feed the stray dogs, why should they target another block?” he said.

The family alleged that the police failed to ensure their safety, sided with the mob and asked them to seek their forgiveness. The complainant said they sought help from the assistant commissioner of police following which a woman constable arranged for a water bottle for the child.

Police officials refuted the family’s allegations and had called the ACP due to the severity of the situation.

Krishan Kant, Kherki Daula SHO, said that they had tried to resolve the issue on Monday night and had dropped the family at their apartment. “We registered a case on Tuesday after we received a complaint,” he said.