Shocking visuals of a pit bull savaging an 11-year-old boy while its owner laughs have ignited nationwide fury. The July 17 attack in Mumbai’s Mankhurd – captured in a viral video – spotlights alarming gaps in pet ownership laws and child safety. As authorities face scrutiny over delayed justice, this pit bull attack reveals a disturbing intersection of cruelty and negligence.
Viral Video Exposes Brutal Pit Bull Assault in Moving Auto
The 45-second footage, shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), shows the child Hamza trapped in an auto rickshaw as the muscular pit bull bites his chin, hands, and back. The boy screams, “Uncle, I’m sorry!” while 43-year-old AC technician Mohammad Sohail Hasan Khan chuckles in the corner. Bystanders plead, “Don’t do that, Sohail bro! He’ll bite him!” but Khan ignores them.
Key video details:
- Location: PMGP MHADA Colony, Mankhurd, Mumbai
- Time: 10:00 PM on July 17, 2025
- Injuries: Deep wounds on Hamza’s face, hands, and back requiring hospital treatment
- Social Spread: #JusticeForHamza trends nationally with 12K+ tweets
Mankhurd Police confirmed Khan’s arrest on July 20 under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 291 (public nuisance) and 125(a) (negligent animal handling). However, activists note he was released hours later with a notice under BNS Section 35(3) – reserved for minor offenses.
Legal Limbo and Public Outrage Over Delayed Justice
Khan’s release despite video evidence has triggered protests outside Mankhurd Police Station. Child rights group Save the Children India demands stricter action: “This isn’t negligence – it’s intentional endangerment using a dangerous breed,” states Director Khushi Sharma. Maharashtra’s Animal Welfare Board reports a 30% rise in aggressive dog incidents since 2023, blaming untrained owners.
Legal experts cite critical gaps:
- BNS Section 125(a): Maximum penalty is just ₹5,000 ($60) for negligence
- No specific law for using animals as weapons
- Contrast: UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act mandates prison for attacks
Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar announced a review of the case, telling The Indian Express: “We’re consulting prosecutors about upgrading charges.” Meanwhile, Hamza’s family refuses compensation offers from Khan, seeking criminal trial.
Pit Bull Risks and Ownership Accountability
While pit bulls aren’t banned in India, veterinary experts warn their genetic predisposition for aggression requires stringent handling. Dr. Priya Nair of Mumbai’s AAHWAAN Foundation clarifies: “Pit bulls need expert training – not casual owners. This attack reflects human failure, not breed nature.”
| Safety Essentials for Powerful Breeds: | Precautions | Legal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory muzzle in public | Maharashtra Pet License | |
| Behavioral training | RBI-approved third-party insurance | |
| Secure home enclosure | Microchipping for tracking |
Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows dog attack cases rose 18% in 2024, with unregulated breeding cited as a key factor.
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Must Know
What provoked Sohail Khan’s pit bull attack?
Per witness accounts, Khan unleashed the dog after a minor dispute between Hamza and Khan’s nephew. The video suggests premeditation as Khan positioned the child in the auto before commanding the dog.
Why was Sohail Khan released despite video evidence?
Police applied BNS Section 35(3), allowing release for offenses punishable by under three years. Legal experts argue charges should include IPC Section 326 (voluntary grievous hurt), which carries a 10-year sentence.
Are pit bulls banned in any Indian states?
No statewide bans exist, but housing societies in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru increasingly prohibit them. The 2022 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act requires special permits for breeds deemed “dangerous.”
What penalties could Khan face if convicted?
Current charges (BNS 291/125a) carry fines or six-month jail terms. If upgraded, he could face 2–10 years under harsher sections. The dog may be euthanized per Animal Welfare Board guidelines.
How is the victim Hamza recovering?
Hamza suffered nerve damage in his hands and requires reconstructive surgery. A fundraiser by NGO Child Rights Initiative has gathered ₹8 lakh for his medical care.
How can such attacks be prevented?
Mandatory behavioral assessments for powerful breeds, owner certification programs, and amended laws treating weaponized animals as aggravated assault. Report unsecured dangerous dogs to local municipal corporations.
The Mumbai pit bull attack epitomizes how negligence morphs into brutality when powerful animals become tools of vengeance. As Hamza heals, India’s glaring legal voids demand urgent legislative action – not just viral outrage. Demand stricter pet ownership laws from your local MLA today.
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