What began as a neighbourhood nuisance in Delhi’s Maharana Pratap Bagh has now reached the country’s highest court. A 70-year-old woman, Sunita Agarwal, and her husband have approached the Supreme Court, pleading for relief from a stray dog that residents claim has turned their peaceful lane into a zone of fear.
According to the petition, the dog has bitten at least six people over the past three months, victims ranging from an eight-year-old boy to a 70-year-old senior citizen. The couple alleges that despite multiple complaints, the civic authorities have failed to protect residents or provide a lasting solution.
The story took a frustrating turn in late October when the North Delhi Municipal Corporation finally captured the dog on October 22, only to release it back into the same neighbourhood eight days later. Relief turned into dismay as, within days, the dog allegedly attacked again, biting two more people on October 31 and November 3.
Among those injured was young Vaidik, who was bitten on his leg while playing outside his home. His mother, Riddhi, says her son has refused to step outdoors ever since. “The wound has healed, but his fear hasn’t. He won’t go out to play anymore,” she shared.
Another resident, Sonam Chaudhary, recalls being attacked while riding her scooter. “It came out of nowhere and bit me twice on the leg,” she said.
Local resident welfare association president Saurabh Gandhi confirmed that repeated complaints through the civic helpline and the 311 mobile app have gone unanswered. “We’ve tried everything. The authorities just capture and release. It’s like playing tag with public safety,” he said.
The petition claims that life in the colony has been disrupted to the point where morning walks for the elderly and outdoor playtime for children have become “nearly impossible.”
After months of fear and frustration, the elderly couple has now turned to the Supreme Court, urging it to intervene and direct authorities to “permanently relocate” the animal so that normal life can return to Maharana Pratap Bagh.
