As the picture of a lady lying on a hospital bed with a cast on her hand spread across colony WhatsApp groups, apparently due to a “dog attack”, the clamour for action on the issue started yet again. When the RWA got to know of the episode, the lady was traced and her family was spoken to. Her husband, speaking from Canada, gave the background and was appalled at the spin that was given to an unfortunate mishap by some miscreants. All possible support was assured to the affected family, and as a show of solidarity, was followed up by a visit to the injured lady residing at Park Drive, by the MTPRWA Joint Secretary, i.e Yours truly, and Ms. Bidisha, representing the dog-caretaker community. It turned out that the lady in question wasn’t quite “attacked” by the dogs. They ran in her direction as she approached her car post a walk, probably hoping for a treat or perhaps seeing her as an intruder. Seeing the dogs coming to her, she panicked, lost balance and fell on her arm. Upon reaching home, the pain intensified and post a checkup, she was informed of a ligament tear. Her friends who came to see her, floated her picture on WhatsApp to bring the issue to the attention of concerned people. The mischievous elements got down to work immediately and started spreading misinformation and inciting residents to take law into their hands.
As a resolution to the PKD-BS residents’ fear of dogs during their walks, an additional guard was deployed the very next morning, with instructions to escort the residents who feel overwhelmed by the presence of strays.
We urge the residents to suggest the solutions to the many issues that affect all of us residents, and not get swayed by false narratives. All of us are just a phone call away.
