Kamal Ghorui
BENGALURU: Tempers flared during a morning dog walk at an apartment complex in Varthur, with a dispute between residents spiralling into a physical altercation and forcing police to register a case and counter-case. The authorities have issued notice to both parties and launched an investigation.The altercation occurred between 7.45am and 8.30am on Tuesday at Brigade Cornerstone Utopia apartment complex. The pet owner, Tarun Arora, a resident of Serene Tower A, had taken his dog for a walk in the East Amphitheatre area of the complex when the dispute broke out.
According to the complaint filed by Arora, a group of senior citizens present at the spot objected to him walking the dog there and allegedly abused him. Arora claimed he attempted to explain that the spot was a common area of the complex and that there was nothing wrong with taking his pet for a walk there.
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When the argument escalated, Arora attempted to call 112 emergency helpline, but the group allegedly blocked his way. He then tried to record the incident on his phone. At that point, Om Prakash Bajpai, 69, snatched the phone from him, following which five or six people allegedly assaulted him, pushed him to the floor, and kicked him. Based on Arora’s complaint, police registered a case against Bajpai, Anil Kumar Sinha, 55, and four others. However, in a counter-complaint, Shashibala, 59, a resident of Eden Tower, stated the apartment association had designated the East Amphitheatre area for exercise and yoga activities. She alleged that Arora frequently brought his dog there for walks, causing inconvenience to residents using the space. She alleged that on Tuesday, Arora brought his dog to the area while a number of residents were performing yoga and exercising. An argument broke out, during which Arora’s phone fell to the ground. According to her complaint, Arora became enraged and allegedly assaulted her husband, Bajpai. When she attempted to intervene and save her husband, Arora allegedly pushed and kicked her.Based on her complaint, a case has also been registered against Arora at Varthur police station, sources said.
