Bengaluru content creator arrested for alleged hit-and-run on stray dog

A Bengaluru-based digital content creator, Manjunath Venkatesh, has been arrested after allegedly running over a stray dog with his SUV and discarding its body. The incident, which occurred on December 31 in JP Nagar, has sparked widespread outrage after CCTV footage surfaced online.

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The footage, captured around 5:30 PM, reportedly shows the 35-year-old resident of Shekhar Layout driving his Mahindra Thar when the front-left tire ran over a dog lying on the road. Following the incident, Manjunath allegedly placed the dog's lifeless body in a bag and disposed of it.

The video quickly went viral on social media, with users expressing anger over the perceived cruelty. Animal rights activists also condemned the act, calling it inhumane and unnecessary.

Acting on a complaint from an animal rights activist, the Talaghattapura police arrested Manjunath. He has been charged under the Cruelty to Animals Act-1960 and Section 325 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with the killing or maiming of animals. The police have also seized his SUV for further investigation.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the case to determine the exact circumstances, assuring the public that appropriate action will be taken. The incident has reignited discussions about stray animal safety and driver responsibility in urban areas.