SHILLONG, July 6: Police are still investigating the mass poisoning of stray animals near the Circuit House more than a week ago, with no suspects identified so far.
Forensic examination of samples collected during the probe is pending and expected to reveal the substance used. Questions have arisen over evidence handling after the Officer in Charge of the concerned police station reportedly failed to send suspected poisoned food recovered from the site for forensic testing.
It remains unclear why these potentially crucial samples were not properly preserved.
The incident has so far claimed the lives of several animals. The latest casualty was a dog that initially survived treatment but died during recovery. In total, the poisoning killed 12 dogs, eight birds, and three cats.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told The Shillong Times on Monday that a case has been registered as Laban PS Case No. 49(06)2026 under Section 325 BNS read with Section 11(1)(c) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
“Suspected food poisoning items and a dead bird recovered during the investigation have been seized and sent for forensic examination,” Syiem said, adding that the report is still awaited. He confirmed that viscera samples have also been forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Shillong.
The SP further informed that one dead dog found near the Circuit House was sent to the Veterinary Department for post-mortem. Police have obtained a court order for the exhumation of two buried dogs, scheduled for Tuesday in coordination with veterinary doctors. CCTV footage from the area has been collected and is currently under analysis to identify possible suspects.
Syiem noted that, according to current findings, only four dogs have been found dead, including one in a completely decomposed state. The exact timeline for receiving FSL reports could not be ascertained.
Meanwhile, residents near the Circuit House reported no fresh incidents of poisoning in recent days. “We are still concerned about what happened, but things have remained quiet over the past few days,” one resident said.
Animal welfare advocates expressed disappointment over the delay in forensic findings and lack of regular updates, which they say has heightened public concern. They called for a thorough investigation, timely laboratory analysis, and strict action against those responsible to prevent similar incidents.
