A brave animal feeder and rescuer, Seema Raval, from Versova, caught a 45-year-old man, Douglas M Gomes, sexually abusing a local dog near Versova beach. The incident came to light after a lifeguard showed Raval a video clip of the man’s heinous act. Determined to protect the innocent animal, Raval asked people in the area to notify her if they spotted the suspect again.
On August 1, Raval received information that the suspect was abusing the dog at the beach. She immediately rushed to the scene, recorded the man’s actions on her cell phone, and promptly called the police helpline ‘103’ for assistance.
The Versova police responded swiftly and apprehended the suspect on the spot. They took him to the police station and filed an FIR against him under IPC section 377 (unnatural sex) and section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Gomes has been remanded to judicial custody for his heinous crime.
Seema Raval expressed her gratitude to the Versova police team, especially investigating officer Sunil Wagh, for taking quick and decisive action in arresting the accused. Her vigilance and courage played a crucial role in bringing justice to the innocent animal subjected to cruelty and abuse.