Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has permitted the police to continue their investigation into the mysterious disappearance of 21 stray dogs from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Phase-II Township in Kaggadasapura, while directing authorities not to take any coercive action against two DRDO officials named in the case.
The order was passed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna while hearing petitions filed by DRDO Estate Officer Rajesh Kumar Sahu and Sanitation Supervisor T.G. Sudhar, who had sought quashing of the criminal proceedings registered against them.
While refusing to halt the investigation, the court emphasized the need to ascertain what happened to the missing dogs and directed the police to conduct a thorough probe. The court observed that the DRDO campus is a highly secured zone where entry and exit are strictly regulated, making it necessary to determine how the animals disappeared from the premises.
The High Court granted six weeks’ time to the investigating agency to complete the probe and submit a detailed status report. It also directed the petitioners to fully cooperate with investigators and assist in uncovering the facts surrounding the case.
The controversy dates back to March 2026, when videos allegedly showing stray dogs being tied up, stuffed into gunny bags and transported from the DRDO township went viral on social media. The footage sparked outrage among animal welfare activists and members of the public.
Local residents and animal lovers reportedly rescued three dogs during the incident. However, 21 vaccinated stray dogs that had been living within the township allegedly disappeared overnight, leading to widespread allegations of animal cruelty.
The incident triggered protests by animal rights groups, who staged demonstrations at Freedom Park in Bengaluru and demanded strict action against those responsible. Activists alleged that the dogs had been illegally removed from the campus in violation of animal welfare laws.
Based on a complaint filed by the Assistant Director of the Animal Husbandry Department in Bengaluru East Zone, the Mahadevapura Police registered a criminal case against the two DRDO officials. The FIR included allegations related to animal cruelty, causing harm to animals and criminal conspiracy.
During the hearing, counsel appearing for the petitioners argued that the officials had been wrongly implicated and sought quashing of the case. The petitioners contended that there was no material to establish their involvement in any illegal act against the animals.
Opposing the plea, counsel for the complainant argued that the DRDO campus is a restricted and highly secure establishment where unauthorized movement is virtually impossible. Therefore, the disappearance of such a large number of dogs could not be ignored and required a detailed investigation to determine whether the animals were alive or had been harmed.
Taking note of these submissions, the High Court declined to interfere with the ongoing investigation. However, it granted interim protection to the petitioners by directing police not to take any coercive measures against them until further orders.
The case has once again brought attention to concerns over the treatment of stray animals in urban areas and the responsibility of authorities to ensure compliance with animal welfare laws. The outcome of the investigation is expected to shed light on the fate of the missing dogs and determine whether any criminal wrongdoing took place within the high-security DRDO premises.