An elderly man lost his life after being attacked by a group of stray dogs in Dwarka Sector 19 of southwest Delhi, according to police officials. The incident took place late on Tuesday night when the man was chased by several dogs on a road near a residential area. In an effort to escape, he ran into a nearby park, but the dogs followed him inside, surrounded him, dragged him to the ground and mauled him, causing serious injuries.
The victim was later identified as Raju, around 60 years old. Passersby alerted the police after noticing him in a severely injured condition. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition. Despite medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries.
Initially, the police were unable to establish his identity as he was not carrying any identification documents. Subsequent investigation revealed that Raju was a daily wage labourer whose family resides in Ambrahi village in the Dwarka area. After the post mortem examination was conducted, his body was handed over to his family, who left for Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh for the final rites.
Police inquiry further revealed that Raju had been living on roads and footpaths for more than a year. He had reportedly left his home following repeated domestic disputes.
He is survived by his wife and three children. His wife works as a domestic help in a housing society in Sector 11 to support the family.
The incident has occurred at a time when the issue of stray dogs is under consideration in the Supreme Court. The apex court is currently hearing multiple petitions, including those filed by animal welfare groups and dog lovers, seeking changes to earlier orders as well as strict implementation of existing directions.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court clarified that it had not ordered the removal of all dogs from public spaces. The court reiterated that its directions focus on managing stray dogs in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, which emphasise sterilisation and humane treatment of street dogs rather than their removal.
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