In the space of two days, a family in Southwest Delhi’s Vasant Kunj lost their sons, aged seven and five, after they were mauled to death allegedly by stray dogs in a forest area.
According to police, the children were attacked in separate incidents in Ruchi Vihar and succumbed to injuries. Police said they have informed the local authorities about the deaths and the matter is being investigated.
Police said they have written to the MCD to act against the dog menace. As per police, the MCD carried out a drive on Sunday afternoon and picked up 8-9 dogs from the area.
The area councillor and MCD PRO did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment. The Mayor could not be contacted.
Around 3 pm Friday, the older sibling, Anand, went missing from his home in Sindhi Basti, which is near the forest. Police said the Station House Officer along with other staff accompanied the mother to search for him. “Around 5-6 pm, we found the child’s body near a wall inside a secluded/vacant plot. There were multiple injuries on the body,” said a police officer. A case under sections of murder was registered at Vasant Kunj South police station and the body was sent to Safdarjung Hospital for an autopsy.
“The injuries looked like animal bites. When we questioned neighbours and locals, it came to light that there are many stray dogs inside the jungle area which often attack goats and pigs. The spot was inspected by the FSL team and the crime team,” said the officer.
As per the FIR in the case, Anand had left home around 10 am to go to his aunt’s house when he was mauled by the dogs, said police. He had injuries all over his legs, waist, hip, neck and back. The FIR also states that there were a few stray dogs at the spot where blood-soaked clothes and footwear of the deceased were recovered.
After Anand’s death, his mother was with her relatives in Mahipalpur and her two children were in the jhuggi with other family members.
On Sunday around 8 am, Anand’s younger brother Aditya (5) went with his cousin Chandan to the same jungle area to relieve himself. “Chandan was some distance from Aditya. After some time, when Chandan returned to the place where he had left Aditya, he found the boy surrounded by stray dogs. He was badly injured. SI Mahender of PS Vasant Kunj South, who was also in the area in connection with Anand’s probe, heard the screams of the boys and found that the dogs had attacked Aditya. He rushed the child to the Indian Spinal Injury Centre in his car, but the boy died during treatment,” added the officer.
Police sources said 5-6 dogs were seen in the area attacking the child. Police said autopsies of both siblings were conducted and reports will be sent soon.
