‘Killed in fit of rage’: Man arrested for killing nearly 20 cats in Mumbai

MUMBAI: A 40-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing and mutilating nearly 20 stray cats in Chembur’s Panjrapole area, where the discovery of several carcasses had earlier prompted police to register a case against unidentified accused.

The accused, identified as Shiva Keshav Joshi, a resident of Panvel in neighbouring Raigad district, was arrested after police examined CCTV footage from the surrounding areas and zeroed in on him.

Police said Joshi confessed during interrogation to killing the cats in a fit of rage, though his exact motive was still being ascertained.

Local animal caregiver Rubeena Pathan had discovered several mutilated cat carcasses in the area over a period of time, including six on September 4.

The animals had been found with their internal organs exposed. The following morning, Pathan found another dead cat and a kitten in a severely distressed condition.