A Magistrate court in Mumbai has sentenced a Worli resident, Rishab Patel, to four months of rigorous imprisonment after his pet dog bit and injured a neighbor inside a residential building’s lift.

The incident, which took place on February 1, 2018, at Alfa Apartment in Worli, led to a criminal case under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Judicial Magistrate First Class Suhas Vijaya P. Bhosale, in a judgment dated May 21, observed that Patel had shown a lack of caution in handling his dog, a Husky, and even appeared to have intentionally “sicced” the animal on the victim despite repeated warnings.

The CCTV footage played a critical role in the court’s findings. “The footage clearly shows the accused forcibly dragging his pet into the lift, displaying no concern for the pet, the informant, or the informant’s one-and-a-half-year-old child who was present at the time,” the court noted. “This reflects not only negligence but also a lack of compassion.”

The victim, Ramik Shah, was accompanied by his young son and domestic help when the lift stopped on the third floor and Patel attempted to enter with his dog. Despite Shah’s request to wait—citing his child's fear of dogs—Patel allegedly forced his way in. The dog then bit Shah on the left forearm, prompting him to seek medical attention and lodge a complaint at the Worli Police Station.

Patel was subsequently charged under Sections 324 (voluntarily causing hurt), 289 (negligent conduct with respect to animals), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

During the trial, the prosecution presented medical records, CCTV footage, and witness testimonies to establish Patel’s culpability. The defense, however, questioned the integrity of the CCTV evidence, pointed out inconsistencies in the timeline of medical treatment, and argued that personal animosity may have led to false allegations.

After evaluating the evidence, the court convicted Patel under Sections 324 and 289 IPC, holding that he had failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent his dog from harming others. “The accused knowingly omitted to exercise due caution, thereby endangering the safety of the informant, his child, and another individual present,” the court said.

However, Patel was acquitted under Section 506 IPC, with the court finding insufficient evidence of any threat or criminal intimidation.

For the conviction under Section 324 IPC, Patel was sentenced to four months’ rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹3,000. Under Section 289 IPC, he received three months’ rigorous imprisonment and a ₹1,000 fine. The sentences will run concurrently. In case of default in fine payment, an additional 15 days of custody has been prescribed.

The court also directed that, upon finality of the judgment, the fine amount be paid to the informant as compensation.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Enakphal represented the State, while Advocate R.R. Mishra appeared for the accused.