A 46-year-old animal rights activist from the Harisabha area in Behala has filed a complaint of harassment, online defamation, and physical stalking against a neighbour, who she claims enjoys political clout. The activist alleged that the neighbour conducted a Facebook Live broadcast, accusing her of receiving Rs 3.5 lakh as cut money from a former Trinamool Congress councillor to feed and sterilise stray dogs in the Behala area.
Complaint Details
The woman and her husband, a government employee, expressed fears of physical attacks, stating they were being followed by individuals on motorcycles, unknown persons were keeping constant watch on their home, and one of their employees was attacked on Wednesday. An FIR has been registered at the Parnasree Police Station.
Origin of the Dispute
The trouble reportedly began on June 2, days after a dispute over feeding strays at Pathakpara last month. The Facebook Live was broadcast on June 1. The activist claimed, From June 3, I have been swamped with online trolling and threats. She stated she has been caring for neighbourhood dogs since 2017-18, currently feeding 102 dogs and having sterilised around 300 strays. She refuted allegations that she received Rs 3.5 lakh annually from the previous government for these services and that she believed in a threat culture.
Targeted Campaign
The activist alleged a targeted, misinformation campaign was launched against her. According to the complaint, the neighbour published a misleading and provocative video on her Facebook profile, standing near the police station, accusing the activist of exploiting political and social influence. The accused claimed the activist was making financial profits under the guise of feeding strays, calling the initiative a waste of money. The posts attempted to politicise animal welfare efforts by questioning her direct access to local councillors.
Stalking and Intimidation
Since the video circulated, unidentified persons on motorcycles have been stalking and tracking the activist's movements at night while she feeds strays. She said such intimidation disrupted her animal welfare work. A neighbour also claimed the development led to the stopping of sterilisation and saline drives for dogs in the area.
Police Investigation
Police have started an inquiry, focusing on both the cyber defamation and the physical security threat complaints.
