Chennai: Panel fines Chennai dog-throwers Rs 2 lakh each

In what could set a precedent, two medical students from Chennai – Gautam Sudarshan, who flung a dog off the terrace, and Ashish Pal, who filmed the incident – have been fined Rs 2 lakh each by a disciplinary committee, set up by the MGR university as per the orders of the Madras high court (HC). The video of the incident viral on July 4, 2016.

The decision was taken on Tuesday by the four-member committee, formed to decide on the quantum of penalty to be paid to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).

Activist Anthony Rubin, an animal rights activist who filed an FIR as well as a petition in the court against both the accused, said that after the Madha Medical College suspended the duo, they filed a writ challenging their suspension. 

“Following this, the university was asked by the HC to form a committee to decide on the penalty, considering the gravity of the offence committed by the accused. The committee was formed on August 10,” he said, adding that he appreciated and welcomed the decision of the university.

“My personal request to the university is to send a strong message to all the colleges and students under it, stating that it will not tolerate such kind of acts by students,” said Rubin.

Rubin also informed that he has written to the university and the college, requesting them to allot the Rs 4 lakh fine to the charities working for the welfare of animals in Chennai, the hometown of Bhadra, the dog.

Meanwhile, the case by Rubin against the duo is expected to come up for hearing next week. Rubin has demanded the psychiatric evaluation of Sudarshan and Pal as well as community service and reimbursement of medical expenses incurred on Bhadra as well as the cancellation of their bail.

The cruelty against Bhadra got worldwide attention after a video, showing the dog being flung by the two final year MBBS students went viral in July, after which the cops launched a manhunt. The dog was found with fractures and has been completely healed. However, she will have to live with a permanent limp as her right hind leg has been been badly damaged.