In a disturbing incident that has sparked significant outrage, a 35-year-old digital content creator from Bengaluru, known as Manjunath Venkatesh, has been arrested for allegedly running over a stray dog with his SUV. This shocking event occurred in the JP Nagar area on December 31 and has since garnered widespread condemnation online following the release of CCTV footage showing the act. The footage depicts Venkatesh's vehicle, a red Mahindra Thar, running over the dog, which was lying on the road at the time.

Details have emerged that during the horrifying incident, Venkatesh did not stop to assist the injured animal. According to reports from the Times of India, he placed the dog's lifeless body into a bag and discarded it, further inciting anger among animal rights activists and the general public.

The alarming footage rapidly went viral, triggering outrage across social media platforms, where many users expressed their disgust at what they described as an "inhumane" act. Advocacy groups such as Pet Adoption Bangalore shared the incident, calling for accountability, and a complaint was subsequently filed by an animal rights activist, leading to Venkatesh's arrest.

Venkatesh has been charged under the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 and Section 325 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to the killing or maiming of animals. Authorities have seized his SUV as part of the investigatory process. In his defense, Venkatesh claimed that he was unaware of the dog's presence on the road due to his rush to work. However, eyewitnesses argue that the animal was clearly visible, casting doubts on his assertion and leading many to believe that the act was intentional.

The police are earnest in their investigation, working diligently to analyze all available evidence to determine the nature of the incident. Public reactions have not waned, with many expressing their outrage and calling for stricter regulations regarding the treatment of stray animals in urban areas. The incident highlights broader concerns about pedestrian and animal safety in bustling city environments.

As the investigation continues, authorities have assured the public of their commitment to ensuring justice is served and that such cruel acts do not go unchecked. The community is rallying for awareness and proactive measures to protect stray animals in urban spaces.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that drivers hold and the importance of being vigilant to prevent tragedies involving vulnerable animals on the streets.