Medical University slaps Rs 2 Lakh fine on Bhadra tormentors

The resolution has come about after the Madras High Court directed the university to form a committee to look into the matter. “The students had filed a writ petition against the university challenging their suspension, following which the court asked the university to take disciplinary action against the students,” says Antony Clement Rubin, a honorary Animal Welfare Officer, who is fighting the legal battle for Bhadra, the dog. Found alive but injured after the incident by activists, it was named after the goddess Bhadrakali. 

Gowtham and Ashish were arrested after a video surfaced on social media, showing one of them hurling a dog from a terrace. The other student filmed the incident. Both of them were booked under IPC sections 428 and 429 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (Sec 11 (1-a). The duo was later granted bail. “There is already a pending petition in the court demanding the cancellation of the bail and psychiatric assessment of the two. We also want the accused to undergo community service with an animal welfare NGO,” says Antony Clement Rubin.

As per the college, the entire fine amount will go to AWBI. “We are requesting the college and the court not to give the money to AWBI but instead donate it to NGOs that extensively work on the field, rescuing animals, especially stray dogs,” says animal activist Shravan Krishnan, who rescued Bhadra. He says, “She has recovered well and is currently with a friend, who is most likely to adopt her.” 

Bhadra was thrown from a three-storey building. She suffered two fractures, one on the spine and the other on the femur of the right hind leg. The incident took the national media by storm. It also went viral on social media, resulting in quick action from the police.