Following allegations of animal cruelty on the DRDO residential campus, activists came together to hold a protest at Freedom Park on Saturday. They demanded accountability and a closer examination of what they described as a “disturbing” incident involving community dogs. 

The controversy stemmed from an alleged incident on March 5, when residents said they spotted someone capturing dogs in an inhumane fashion inside the campus. A video recorded by a resident, who intervened and freed some of the dogs, soon went viral, sparking outrage. 

The next day, a GBA official visited the campus after complaints. Residents also reported that at least 22 dogs were missing. “The way they took the dogs did not indicate relocation. The dogs would not have lasted more than 20 minutes,” said Priya Chetty Rajagopal, trustee of C.J. Memorial Trust. She added that the dogs were sterilised and not known to be aggressive.

Actor Ramya, who joined the protest, said that while public pressure was important, the legal route would be crucial to ensure accountability. She said she has written to the Defence Minister seeking a fair inquiry into the incident and safeguards to prevent such actions in the future. 

For many residents, the disappearance of the dogs has been difficult to process. Mathangi, who lived in the DRDO township for over 22 years and regularly fed the animals, said the campus felt different after the incident. “Every lane had dogs we knew. After March 6, many of them just vanished. It is deeply unsettling,” she said, adding that the animals were part of the community. 

Activists say the case points to a larger issue. “If this is happening in one place, it could be happening elsewhere, too. Accountability is important,” said Lavanya Koushik of the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations.