The Hindu : New Delhi News : Two men, 8 dogs found dead in animal home

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Saturday, Dec 22, 2007
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New Delhi

Two men, 8 dogs found dead in animal home

Staff Reporter

Appears to be a case of food poisoning: Delhi Police

Ashram gate found intact, no foul play suspected
Fingerprints, food sent for forensic examination

NEW DELHI: A 65-year-old businessman and a 35-year-old caretaker of Sai Animal Welfare Ashram were found dead under highly mysterious circumstances in Mehrauli here on Friday. The police also found eight dead dogs at the animal shelter.

The bizarre incident came to light around 8 a.m. when a guard at the Ashram knocked at the door of the room in which the two stayed. When the knocks did not elicit any response, he called up the police. On reaching the spot, the police found the bodies of the dog-shelter owner, Vishwant Kumar, and the caretaker, Shivraj, lying inside the room and food scattered all around.

When the police searched the Ashram, they discovered that eight of the dogs in the shelter also lay dead.

‘Food, wine found’

“We have found pieces of chicken, mutton, rice, tea cups and some wine bottles in the room. The two had vomited the dinner and the dogs had also disgorged. The gate of the Ashram was found intact and thus no foul play is suspected. Prima facie it appears to be a case of food poisoning. The two might have thrown the leftovers to the dogs, causing their death as well,” said a police officer.

The police have lifted fingerprints and remnants of food from the scene and sent them for forensic examination.

No case registered

“No case has been registered as yet though investigations have been initiated under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The bodies have been sent to AIIMS and the exact cause of death will be known only after post-mortem,” the officer said.

Vishwant Kumar was a resident of Greater Kailash and very fond of animals, especially dogs.

He had launched the non-government organisation four years ago to provide shelter to stray dogs. There are nearly 60 dogs at the shelter and Vishwant Kumar spent most of his time at the Ashram. He had separated from his wife a decade ago.

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