28 June,2026 08:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar Menon
Togo, the pet dog that was killed after an explosive concealed in bait allegedly detonated near a farmhouse in Karjat on Friday. PIC/SOORRAJ SAHA
A gruesome incident involving the death of a pet dog after it allegedly bit into an explosive-laced bait near a forested area in Maharashtra's Karjat has triggered widespread concern over the use of crude explosive devices against animals.
The case has not only highlighted the extreme cruelty of such methods but has also prompted an investigation into whether the explosive was intended to kill stray animals or wildlife roaming the adjoining forest.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, behind a farmhouse at Asalpada, Karjat, approximately seven kilometres from Neral Police Station. According to the first information report (FIR), the dog suffered fatal injuries when an explosive concealed in food detonated, blowing apart its face.
The shocking nature of the incident has drawn attention from animal welfare activists, residents and law enforcement agencies, who have called for stringent action against those responsible.
Neral Police registered FIR No 0144/2026 on Saturday at 5.01 pm against an unidentified person under:
The investigation is being conducted by Inspector Rahul Raghunath Varote of Neral Police Station.
Police have stated that the accused is presently unknown and that investigations are underway to identify the individual responsible for planting the explosive device.
According to the complaint filed by Hamid Abdul Sukkurr, a resident of Mumbai, the incident came to light when his caretaker, Om Singh, telephoned him at around 7.25 pm on Friday to report a loud explosion behind the farmhouse compound.
The caretaker informed him that their pet dog, "Togo," had approached an object believed to be food containing an explosive substance. The explosion caused catastrophic injuries, killing the dog instantly.
The complainant, accompanied by his wife Nilofar and associate Akash Patil, travelled to the property around midnight and confirmed the dog's death. Police were informed immediately, and CCTV footage reportedly confirmed that the explosion occurred around 7.25 pm.
The FIR further records that on Saturday morning, while feeding horses on the property, the complainant and caretaker allegedly noticed an unidentified man standing near the location where the explosion had occurred.
According to the complaint:
This observation forms part of the police investigation.
The FIR notes the complainant's suspicion that the explosive device may have been placed to target wild animals that frequently move through the adjoining forest area.
Investigators are examining whether:
Police have not yet confirmed any motive, and all aspects remain under investigation.
Animal welfare experts warn that explosive-laced food represents one of the most indiscriminate and inhumane methods used against animals.
Unlike conventional traps, explosive bait:
Experts say even if such devices are intended for one species, any animal - or person - can become an unintended victim.
The matter was brought to the attention of authorities through the intervention of Soorraj Saha, Honorary Animal Welfare Officer (HAWO), appointed under the guidance of the committee constituted by the Bombay High Court to monitor implementation of animal welfare regulations across Maharashtra in coordination with the state government.
Saha urged authorities to investigate the case from both an animal welfare and public safety perspective.
He called upon Maharashtra Police, forest department, district administration, wildlife authorities, and forensic experts to jointly investigate the incident and determine whether it forms part of a larger pattern of illegal use of explosives against animals.
"The death of a dog due to an explosive bait demonstrates the indiscriminate nature of such dangerous methods. If explosive substances are being used against animals, the threat extends far beyond wildlife and endangers domestic animals as well as the wider community," Saha said.
Animal welfare representatives have requested authorities to undertake a detailed scientific investigation, including:
They have also urged authorities to inspect adjoining forest areas to ensure no further explosive devices pose a threat to wildlife or the public.
The incident has raised serious concerns over the use of explosive devices in and around forest-edge areas, with fears that such materials could endanger domestic animals, livestock, wildlife, and unsuspecting members of the public.
Animal welfare organisations have demanded:
They argue that stronger enforcement is essential to prevent similar incidents and protect both animals and local communities.
As the investigation progresses, police are expected to determine:
The accused remains unidentified, and no arrests have been made so far.
The death of "Togo" has become a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of using explosive devices against animals - methods that, regardless of the intended target, can inflict indiscriminate suffering and place entire communities at risk.
