While an FIR has been registered against the attackers, the main dispute was between Nasrin Shaikh (45) and a vegetable seller, S Amrin, who used to earlier abuse the local dogs.
Nasrin had therefore complained against the vegetable seller in the past to the police.
Activists of People for Animals (PFA), who came out in her support, have condemned this dastardly attack on Nasrin.
Honorary animal welfare officer and president of PFA Mumbai Vijay Rangare said: “Nasrin, who has been sincerely taking care of the local stray animals at Patel Mohalla, was badly assaulted by the mob on October 30. They also used some sharp weapons which resulted in cuts and bruises on her body. We condemn this attack on a woman.”
He added that the attack occurred due to a persistent conflict between Nasrin and Amrin, who was caught abusing dogs.
Despite Nasrin’s previous filing of a police complaint, Amrin continued to mistreat the animals, leading Nasrin to seek assistance from the municipal encroachment department to take action against the vegetable seller.
When the department officials arrived on Monday, Amrin and 10-12 locals confronted them, resulting in an altercation.
Later, the same group broke into Nasrin’s home, attacked her, her sister, and mother.
They even kicked a small kitten.
The mob relentlessly beat Nasrin, dragging her from the first floor to the ground floor and attacking her with knives.
No one came forward to assist her, added Rangare.
Upon receiving the complaint, Rangare promptly took Nasrin to the Panvel City Police Station and arranged for her medical examination.
Subsequently, an FIR was lodged at 4 am on Tuesday.
The FIR has been registered against Amrin and 11 others under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 324, 323, 143, 147, 149, 504, 506, 509, 336, 451, 34, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Section 11 (1) (a).
Ambika Shukla, trustee of People For Animals, commented: “It’s disheartening to witness a female animal caregiver and her family being attacked by a mob. We stand in solidarity with all animal caregivers who face similar problems and harassment. We extend our support to file police complaints or take legal recourse to address such incidents.”