Pune, 13th February 2023: A Judicial Magistrate (First Class) court has issued process against De. Ravindra Kasbekar, Padmini Stump, and the Mission Possible Foundation for animal cruelty.
They are accused of caging 200-250 dogs and 40-50 cats without following due process of law or established principles for citizens and foundations.
The complainants, Anil Kalra, Cathreena Peter, and others, filed a complaint petition under section 156 (3) of Cr.P.C. through their city-based Supreme Court advocate, Aashutosh Srivastava. Advocate Srivastava argued that the accused had not obtained permission from local authorities such as the Municipal Corporation, District Board, or any other authorities required by law for the control and administration of animals. The accused also did not properly dispose of dead animal bodies or wastes.
Advocate Srivastava further stated that the accused had illegally converted a building flat premises into a shelter home to cage the animals. Open-air surgeries were conducted on the animals by Dr Kasbekar, an oncologist, and Veronica Alias Padmini Stump, who is not a veterinary doctor. These surgeries were conducted for illegal purposes, resulting in the inhumane killing of many animals.
JMFC MA Shaikh issued process based on the report filed by the investigating officer and ordered that the case be registered as a regular criminal case.
The accused have appeared before the court and must furnish a bail bond before the court. The trial will be initiated, and the matter is listed for March 21, 2023.
Advocate Srivastava stated that justice has been rightly served in the matter.