A seven-year-long legal battle that began with a neighbourhood dispute over stray dogs has finally ended with a clean acquittal for a Gurugram man, leaving behind a trail of mental, social and health-related damage for him and his family.
डॉग फीडिंग के विवाद को कुत्ता प्रेमी महिला ने बनाया छेड़छाड़ का झूठा मामला, सात साल बाद कोर्ट ने युवक को माना निर्दोष#Haryana https://t.co/yfwk61sNKv
— Dainik Jagran (@JagranNews) February 3, 2026
Dispute over dogs turned into criminal case
The case started in 2018 in Gurugram, after a disagreement between neighbours over stray dogs roaming in Sector 10A. Several residents, including Vivek Grover, had raised concerns about the growing dog menace in the area. The woman living nearby, who regularly fed the stray dogs, objected to these complaints.
On 21st November, 2018, the woman approached the police, accusing Grover of harassment, stalking, making obscene comments and threatening her. Based on her complaint, a case was registered under Sections 294, 354-D, 506 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code.
The video meant for complaint became key evidence
During the trial, it emerged that Grover had recorded a video of the stray dogs with the intention of submitting it to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram. The woman claimed this video showed he was stalking her.
But when the video was played in court, it clearly showed only stray dogs and their movement in the area. The court noted that there was nothing objectionable in the footage and no act pointing towards molestation or stalking. The investigating officer also admitted that the video showed no bad intention.
The court further observed that the complainant and her mother initially denied the presence of dogs in the video, which raised serious doubts about their claims.
Court flags doubts, grants bail early
When the case first came before the court in 2019, it was found to be doubtful, and Grover was granted bail even though the case included a non-bailable section. Still, the matter dragged on for seven years, spanning 36 court hearings.
None of the neighbours was produced as an eyewitness during the trial. The court clearly stated that no one can be punished based on accusations arising from personal rivalry or local disputes.
Seven years of mental and physical trauma
Though Grover did not go to jail, the long legal process deeply affected his life. His business suffered badly, and his family went through severe mental stress. His wife and two daughters faced social embarrassment, and daily family life was disturbed.
During these seven years, Grover’s health deteriorated sharply. He is suffering from diabetes, heart problems and kidney disease, which his family linked to prolonged stress and anxiety caused by the case.
Final verdict: Clean acquittal
After examining all the evidence, Hari Kishan, Judicial Magistrate First Class, acquitted Vivek Grover of all five charges. The court said the prosecution’s story was full of doubts and failed to prove the accusations. Grover’s bail bonds were cancelled.
Grover was represented by advocate Vipin Gupta, who argued that the case was filed due to personal enmity over the stray dog issue.
While the verdict has brought legal relief for Grover and his family, the emotional and health costs of the seven-year ordeal remain a painful reminder of what they endured.
