In a bizarre and distressing incident from Dehradun, a 28-year-old woman has lodged a police complaint against her own uncle and aunt, alleging that they abducted her two pet kittens, claiming them to be a “bad omen.” The matter has been registered as a formal case at Nehru Colony police station, and investigations are underway.

Rashmi Dhiman, a resident of Dharampur, Dehradun, recounted the ordeal in her complaint. According to the FIR filed on Friday, Rashmi had been caring for two kittens that had been born to a cat that appeared at her house in March. She stated that while she had grown attached to the kittens, her uncle, Umesh Dhiman, and aunt, Suman Dhiman—who live in a separate house within the same courtyard—disapproved of the animals. The couple allegedly believed that the kittens brought bad luck.

Rashmi alleged that her uncle took the kittens away by placing them in the trunk of his scooter and later abandoned them somewhere. “I took care of the kittens, but my uncle and aunt, who live in a separate house sharing the same courtyard, considered them a bad omen. My uncle took the kittens away in the trunk of his scooter and abandoned them somewhere,” Rashmi said.

The woman also claimed that her uncle, aunt, and their three sons had previously threatened her with physical harm, adding a layer of intimidation to the incident. The threats reportedly exacerbated her distress and prompted her to approach the police.

Sanjeet Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of Nehru Colony police station, confirmed that an FIR had been registered under Section 351(2) of the Bengal Nadu State (BNS) provisions along with relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. “Our investigation into the matter is underway,” Kumar said.

The case has drawn attention due to the unusual nature of the complaint. While domestic disputes over pets are not uncommon, the combination of alleged threats and the perceived superstition surrounding the kittens has made this incident particularly notable. Animal rights and welfare provisions in India, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, allow the police to take cognizance of acts of cruelty, abandonment, or endangerment of pets, which could carry legal consequences for the accused if the allegations are proven.

The police are reportedly investigating the claims to ascertain the exact circumstances under which the kittens were taken and abandoned. Officers are also expected to record statements from the accused family members and any potential witnesses to piece together the sequence of events.

This incident also raises broader questions about awareness regarding animal welfare and legal protections for pets in domestic settings. While cats and other animals are often subjected to superstitions and cultural biases in some households, India’s legal framework aims to safeguard them from neglect and mistreatment.

As the investigation progresses, Rashmi Dhiman and her family await resolution. Meanwhile, local authorities have urged citizens to report instances of animal cruelty and emphasized that pet owners have legal recourse under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which encompasses neglect, physical abuse, and unlawful seizure of domestic animals.

The case continues to develop, and authorities have assured that necessary legal action will be taken once the investigation concludes.