Mapusa | November 7, 2025
Advocate Tej S. Khorjuvekar, a practising lawyer based in Siolim, Bardez-Goa, has lodged a formal complaint with the Mapusa Police Station against an unidentified woman residing in the D-Wing of Saldanha Business Towers, Altinho, Mapusa. The complaint accuses the woman of gross negligence, irresponsible handling of her pet, and criminal intimidation following a dog bite incident that occurred on October 31, 2025, within the premises of the said complex.
As per the complaint, around 2:00 p.m., while Adv. Khorjuvekar was walking near the Tato Tiffin outlet located on the ground floor of E-Wing, the woman was taking her dog outdoors without a leash or muzzle. The unrestrained animal allegedly lunged at him without provocation and bit him on his right thigh, inflicting a bleeding wound, physical pain, and mental trauma. When confronted, the woman purportedly adopted an arrogant and defiant attitude, refused to reveal the vaccination or medical status of the dog, boasted of having influential contacts, and left the spot in a car bearing registration number GA-03-AM-0604 without offering any apology or assistance.
Following the incident, the advocate sought medical attention at the Siolim Primary Health Centre, where he received anti-rabies and tetanus vaccinations along with first aid. He has submitted medical documents, photographs, and video evidence in support of his complaint and has requested that the police register a First Information Report (FIR) under Sections 125, 291, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which deal respectively with causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety, negligent conduct with respect to animals, and criminal intimidation.
Adv. Khorjuvekar emphasized that the incident reflects a serious breach of public safety and civic duty, asserting that pet owners are legally obligated to ensure that their animals do not endanger others. The Supreme Court of India, in a recent verdict, has taken the issue of stray and unrestrained dog bites seriously, underscoring the need for accountability, regulatory vigilance, and preventive action by both authorities and private individuals.
Despite acknowledging receipt of the complaint, the Mapusa Police have reportedly failed to initiate any action or provide a formal response, raising apprehensions about administrative indifference in a matter concerning personal safety and public welfare. The advocate has reiterated his intent to pursue the matter through lawful means and has urged for a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation, stressing that justice and public safety must not be compromised by inaction or delay.
