A pet owner and young architect, A S Chatterjee (30), was slapped and beaten by a youth and his father early on Thursday morning, leading to a ligament tear, when he requested them to stop bursting crackers for a few minutes as the loud noise was scaring his pet dog, Prince.
At present a non-cognizable complaint (NC) has been registered at the Vashi police station against one Kishore Vichare and his son.
“At around 6.30 am, I had taken my pet, Prince, out for his morning walk in sector 29, Vashi. Since some people were bursting very loud fire crackers such as the “sutli bombs” at the Aashirwad housing society, I asked a youngster in his early 20’s to please stop the explosions for a minute or two, since I had to safely take away Prince who was becoming rather nervous and scared. However, the youth’s father (Kishore Vichare), became angry on why I told his son to stop bursting crackers,” said Chatterjee.
The architect, who is to get married within a fortnight, added: “When Vichare aggressively came towards me and threatened to slap me, his son also charged at me and beat me up on the false pretext that I hit his father. Since I had to also take care of my pet, I tried to defend myself, but the duo slapped me several times, while also pushing me, which led to a ligament tear near my right knee as it got twisted.”
Social worker and advocate, Nilesh Bhojane, commented: “I was shocked to know about this unprovoked assault on Chatterjee. I have also urged the police to take up this matter and warn the assaulters. It is condemnable that a young architect who is about to get married has suffered injuries on Diwali day.”
Another social activist, M Anshuvaardhaan, commented: “Chatterjee had merely requested the opposite party to stop bursting loud bombs for a while till he walks away with his pet. For this, he has suffered bodily injuries, which does not go well with the civilized and educated reputation of sector 29. Famous singer, Shankar Mahadevan, also resides in sector 29.”
Vashi police informed that the NC was lodged under the IPC sections 323, 504 and 506 in this case.
Former NMMC corporator from this Vashi ward, Shashikant Raut, said: “It is sad and unfortunate that Chatterjee has suffered injuries in this matter. What Vichare and his son did was wrong, and hence I told the Chatterjee family that I will support them in this police case.”
Surjitt Sahani
