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Shiv Sena Youth Wing Stages Unusual Protest Over Stray-Dog Menace in Niphad
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident Inside the Nagar Panchayat Office
On a recent Wednesday, Yuva Sena district chief Vikram Randhave entered the office of Dheeraj Bhamre, chief officer of the Niphad Nagar Panchayat, with several sacks containing stray puppies. In front of staff and onlookers, Randhave opened the sacks and placed the puppies on Bhamre’s desk, later adding a garland made of currency notes. The episode was recorded, the video spread on social media, and police subsequently registered two cases: one for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of duty and another for alleged animal cruelty. No arrests have been reported.
Background of the Stray-Dog Concern
Residents of Niphad, a town in Maharashtra’s Nashik district, have repeatedly complained about stray-dog attacks. Activists allege that the municipal administration has been slow to act on complaints, prompting the protest. Randhave asserted that the problem has intensified during the ongoing Ganesh festival, affecting children, senior citizens and motorists.
Data on Dog-Bite Incidents
- Randhave claimed more than 400 stray dogs roam within the Nagar Panchayat limits and that over 100 residents suffer dog-bite injuries each month.
- Dr Rajiv Tambale, of the Niphad sub-district hospital, reported that five to six patients seek treatment for stray-dog bites daily, confirming more than 100 bite cases per month and noting that anti-rabies vaccine is available at the hospital.
Official Responses
The civic administration said it had already issued work tenders to address stray-dog control and warned that the protest could disrupt office operations. Police officials confirmed the registration of the obstruction and animal-cruelty cases and indicated that investigations are ongoing. Bhamre emphasized safety concerns for staff and the public, stating that the puppies were taken to the office without the owner’s consent.
Criticism from Animal-Rights Advocates
Animal-rights activist Vijay Angare condemned the use of live puppies in the protest, labeling the tactic “unacceptable” and urging authorities to pursue humane methods for highlighting the stray-dog issue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We also learned that the puppies belonged to someone and had been brought here without the owner’s consent. We urge the district and police administrations to take strict action and ensure the strictest possible punishment for the guilty,” — Dheeraj Bhamre, nagar panchayat chief
- “We also love animals, but when the public is suffering, we have to remind authorities of their duties. It was in this context that I took stray puppies there,” — Vikram Randhave, sena district chief
- “This means there are more than 100 dog-bite cases every month. Anti-rabies vaccine is currently available at the hospital,” — Dr Rajiv Tambale
Ongoing Legal and Administrative Actions
The obstruction and animal-cruelty cases remain under investigation, with police indicating that further demonstrations are possible if the Nagar Panchayat does not implement additional control measures. Randhave warned that future protests could involve more dogs, as well as women and children affected by the stray-dog problem.