Mumbai Police have arrested a homeless man identified as Shiva in connection with the deaths of multiple stray cats in the Panjrapol area of South Mumbai. The arrest came after sustained complaints from local residents and animal welfare volunteers who reported seeing several cats go missing or found dead over a period of weeks.
According to police sources, Shiva confessed to killing more than six cats. However, local cat feeders and animal welfare activists claim the actual number could be significantly higher — at least twenty cats have reportedly been killed since mid-August. The discrepancy between the confession and the feeder estimates suggests the incident may be larger than initially recorded.
The breakthrough in the case came through CCTV footage captured by nearby shops and residential buildings. Video recordings showed Shiva loitering in the area where the cat killings occurred, often near feeding spots where volunteers placed food for street cats. Police tracked his movements across multiple locations and eventually arrested him after corroborating evidence emerged.
Shiva, who is homeless and believed to be a transient resident of the area, is currently in police custody. Investigators are probing his motive and his mental health, as no clear pattern — such as territorial dispute or organized cruelty ring — has yet emerged. A forensic team has also been examining the remains of some of the deceased cats to determine if the same method was used across all incidents.
Animal welfare organizations in Mumbai have expressed outrage over the killings and are urging the police to conduct a thorough investigation. Several social media groups have also circulated appeals for information, though police say Shiva's arrest has restored some confidence among residents.
The case has reignited a broader debate about the treatment of stray animals in Indian cities and the need for stronger enforcement of animal protection laws, particularly in densely populated areas like South Mumbai where stray cats are commonly fed by residents and local vendors.
