JNU split over action on dog killer

By OUR CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI

July 15: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is breathing a different air these days. In this university, where national and international events are thoroughly scrutinised and political issues are highest among other discussions, be it students or faculty, it is the issue of a dead female dog that is consuming most of the discussion timing.

Kali, a female dog, was found butchered in one of the student's room in JNU's Kaveri hostel last week. Some of the university students and animal rights groups, which have taken up this matter have been alleging that the student, hailing from one of the North-eastern states, had killed the animal with his friends, for a feast. University authorities claim that they have submitted a detailed report to the police and have taken action against the student.

"This is not true. We met the joint commissioner, The Delhi police on Tuesday and he has confirmed that no such report has been submitted to the area police. They (university authorities) are just trying to weaken this case. The student should be severely punished for killing a poor animal," said Rishi Dev of Citizens for Animals , who has filed a complaint with the area police.

Animal rights groups have been demanding arrest of the student and action against the hostel warden, who is one of the witness to the entire scene. "Instead of handing over a report to the police and the hostel warden recording his statement, the JNU authorities helped the student to destroy evidence." Animal rights group have also filed an application under the RTI Act asking details like what procedure was followed to dispose off the body of the animal and by whom. They have also served legal notices to the university authorities in this regard.

Meanwhile, student fraternity seems to be divided on this issue.

While some are demanding stricter punishment for the student, others don't want his arrest.