Bengaluru Dog Owner Booked Under BNS After Pet Attacks Woman on Morning Walk
A distressing incident unfolded in Bengaluru's HSR Layout on the morning of January 26, when a dog owner was formally booked by police after his pet launched an unprovoked attack on a woman out for her daily walk. The victim, identified as Shalini Dubey, sustained significant injuries to her face and neck during the assault and is currently undergoing medical treatment.
Complaint Filed and Legal Action Initiated
The case came to light after Shalini's husband, Satya Prakash Dubey, filed an official complaint with the HSR Layout police station. In his statement, he accused the dog owner, Amaresh Reddy, of negligence for allegedly letting his pet roam freely without proper restraint. Based on this complaint, police have registered a case against Reddy under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The charges include:
- Section 117: Causing voluntary hurt
- Section 125: Rash or negligent acts that endanger human life or personal safety
- Section 291: Negligent conduct with respect to animals
Details of the Morning Attack
The incident occurred around 6:55 AM in the Teachers' Colony area of HSR Layout. According to eyewitness accounts and the police complaint, the dog suddenly lunged at Shalini Dubey during her walk, pushing her to the ground before attacking her aggressively.
The animal bit her multiple times on:
- Her face
- Both hands
- Her legs
Reddy reportedly attempted to pull his pet back during the attack but initially struggled to control the animal. He eventually succeeded in restraining the dog, allowing Shalini to regain her footing, though not before she had sustained serious injuries.
Broader Implications for Pet Owners and Public Safety
This incident highlights growing concerns about pet owner responsibility and public safety in urban areas like Bengaluru. The application of BNS sections in this case demonstrates how seriously authorities are treating such incidents, particularly when they result in physical harm to citizens.
Morning walkers in residential neighborhoods often assume a certain level of safety, but this attack serves as a reminder that proper pet control measures are essential for community wellbeing. The case also raises questions about enforcement of existing regulations regarding pet ownership and public space usage.
As Shalini Dubey continues her recovery, the legal proceedings against the dog owner will likely set an important precedent for how similar cases are handled in Bengaluru and potentially other Indian cities facing comparable challenges with urban pet management.
