A seemingly trivial argument sparked by a pet dog's barking spiraled into a serious physical confrontation in a residential building in Mumbai's Antop Hill area, resulting in injuries to three individuals, including a 15-year-old boy. The incident, which occurred late on Wednesday, has led the Antop Hill police to register a case against six persons, two of whom are women.
How a Bark Led to a Brawl
The chain of events began when Naresh Udayabhan Bidlan (47), a BMC cleaner residing at Raj Heights building in Punjabi Camp, returned from walking his dog with his wife Vandana and 15-year-old nephew Aryan Kagda. As they waited for the lift in the building, a group of youths, identified as relatives of a neighbour, were exiting it. The family's pet dog barked at the group, which triggered an immediate war of words.
According to the police complaint lodged by Bidlan, comments were exchanged regarding the dog's behaviour and its care. This verbal sparring quickly intensified, attracting the attention of other residents who joined the altercation. What started as a heated exchange soon turned physically violent.
Assault with Sticks and a Stabbing
In his complaint, Bidlan alleged that one of the accused, Nitin Dikka, attacked him with a wooden stick, causing a head injury. He further stated that others accompanying Dikka assaulted him and his wife Vandana with kicks and punches. During the scuffle, Vandana's mangalsutra (a sacred necklace symbolizing marriage) broke and went missing.
The situation took a more dangerous turn when the minor, Aryan Kagda, tried to intervene. Bidlan alleged that an unidentified person from the gathered crowd stabbed Aryan on his back and left hand, resulting in bleeding injuries. The complaint also mentions that bamboo sticks were brandished to threaten bystanders who attempted to stop the fight, creating panic within the building premises.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
Following the violent clash, Bidlan, his wife Vandana, and nephew Aryan were rushed to Sion Hospital for treatment. The First Information Report (FIR) notes that all three sustained minor injuries: Bidlan on the head, Vandana on the waist, and Aryan on his back and hand.
Police officials confirmed that they have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter. Statements from witnesses in the building are being recorded to piece together the exact sequence of events. The role of each of the six named individuals is under scrutiny. A key focus of the probe is to verify the identity of the person who allegedly stabbed the 15-year-old boy during the melee.
The case highlights how quickly neighborhood disputes can escalate into serious violence, prompting police to intervene and restore order in the Antop Hill locality.
