A shocking case of extreme animal cruelty has surfaced from Malad in north Mumbai, where a two-month-old puppy was allegedly sexually assaulted and brutally beaten by a 20-year-old man. The incident, which took place on Sunday evening, has sparked widespread outrage after visuals from the rescue went viral on social media.

The alleged abuse occurred inside a public toilet in the Kurar area. According to police, suspicion was raised when a man was seen taking a puppy into the toilet and locking the door. A passerby alerted an animal lover, who immediately contacted the authorities.

Police teams from Kurar police station rushed to the spot and detained the accused, identified as Vikas Besakar Paswan. The puppy was rescued in a critical condition and rushed for urgent veterinary treatment.

A police official said, “Vikas Besakar Paswan took the puppy inside the toilet and sexually assaulted it. He also beat up the animal. A passerby alerted an animal lover, Geeta Patel, who called the police. A team reached the spot and got hold of Paswan. The puppy was rescued in a critical condition and is in the care of a veterinarian.”

Videos showing chaos outside the public toilet with local residents and police restraining the accused began circulating widely online, triggering anger and condemnation from animal rights groups and the public.

Animal welfare organisation PAL (Pure Animal Lovers) Foundation also shared footage of the rescue operation. The video shows police personnel and animal activists forcing entry into the locked toilet after the accused allegedly refused to open the door. The organisation said the puppy remains in critical condition and demanded strict punishment for the crime.

Police confirmed that the accused has been booked under Section 325 (mischief by killing or maiming animals) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Officials added that while a case has been registered, the accused is yet to be formally arrested and further investigation is underway.

The incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws and harsher punishment for acts of cruelty against animals.