Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Chembur Cat Killings: Accused Bailed, Activists Demand Stringent Action
Police in Mumbai arrested a man accused of killing stray cats in Chembur.
The police suspect that more than 20 cats and kittens may have been killed since August.
The arrest was based on CCTV footage and statements from two eyewitnesses.
Police said the man reportedly admitted killing some cats because they troubled him.
He also allegedly showed police places where some animals were buried.
An animal feeder found a dead cat and kitten near Shani Mandir on September 5.
She and another activist then complained to the police after contacting PETA.
The accused was released on bail within 24 hours, which upset animal activists.
Police say the investigation is still continuing.
RCF police arrested Shiva Keshav Joshi on Friday night over alleged stray-cat killings in Chembur.
Police suspect Joshi was involved in the deaths of more than 20 cats and kittens found since August.
The accused was released on bail within 24 hours, prompting animal activists to demand stricter action.
Animal feeder Rubina Abdul Malik Pathan reported finding dead cats near Shani Mandir on September 5.
Police registered a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Who
- RCF police arrested Shiva Keshav Joshi, while animal feeder Rubina Abdul Malik Pathan and activist Pooja Srivastava lodged the complaint.
- What
- A man was arrested over the alleged killing of stray cats and kittens, then released on bail within 24 hours.
- When
- The animal deaths were reported from August onward; the arrest occurred on Friday night and the accused was released on Saturday.
- Where
- The alleged killings and discoveries occurred around the Panjrapole area, including Kamawadi and near Shani Mandir in Chembur, Mumbai.
- Why
- Police said Joshi reportedly claimed that the cats troubled him; activists are demanding stringent legal action.
Animal Activists
Accused's Legal Position
Response to the alleged killings
Animal Activists
Animal activists are demanding stringent action, saying the alleged killings were cruel and that the accused's quick release on bail is concerning.
Accused's Legal Position
The accused was released on bail within 24 hours; the article does not provide a statement from him or details of his legal defence.
- Accused
- Shiva Keshav Joshi, described as a 40-year-old homeless man and a Panvel resident
- Arrest
- Friday night by RCF police
- Bail
- Granted within 24 hours, on Saturday
- Suspected victims
- More than 20 cats and kittens, according to police suspicion
- Complaint
- Filed by animal feeder Rubina Abdul Malik Pathan with activist Pooja Srivastava
- Reported discovery
- A dead cat and kitten were found near Shani Mandir on September 5
- Legal provisions
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita