Mumbai: Man who kidnapped dog over unpaid dues arrested

The Juhu police have traced the security supervisor who allegedly kidnapped a Pomeranian named Prixcy from a Juhu society to Ahmednagar. However, the dog is yet to be found. The accused, Rajendra Pandharkar, told the police that before exiting Mumbai, he had left Prixcy outside Vile Parle railway station. The police are now seeking help from locals to find the canine.

The 14-year-old Pomeranian’s owners—the Joshi family,  who reside at Rustomjee Ciroc tower in Juhu—have offered a reward of R25,000 to anyone who helps find him. A police officer said, “Pandharkar’s wife is pregnant and living in Ahmednagar. He had been taking leave frequently to visit her. Due to these absences, the agency deducted Rs 4000 from his salary. This led to arguments between Pandharkar and the security agency. He was then told to settle his dues and leave the job.”

CCTV grab of the dog outside Vile Parle railway station

The officer added, “Pandharkar decided to kidnap the dog from the housing society to get the agency to pay him R4000. After abducting the canine on April 15, he entered an autorickshaw near the owners’ residence, and eventually abandoned Prixcy outside Vile Parle railway station.”

Senior Inspector Sunil Jadhav of Juhu Police Station told mid-day, “We traced Pandharkar to Ahmednagar. But he left Prixcy outside Vile Parle West railway station. We are checking footage from CCTV cameras to trace him. We are also taking help from locals, including animal feeders.”

Prixcy’s owner, Manav Joshi, said, “Prixcy has never been separated from our family for the past 14 years. We are extremely worried about him—what he’s been eating these past few days and where he is now. We’re in constant contact with the police for updates, but we haven’t found her yet. We are also searching near the railway station and have informed relatives, family and friends living in Vile Parle West. We’re seeking help from NGOs, animal lovers, activists and feeders. We just want Prixcy back safely.”

“My entire staff—including my driver and seven office employees—are helping search for Prixcy every day from 7 am to 11 am and again from 5 pm to 9 pm. My daughter Aditi is also constantly on the streets searching for the dog. She leaves early in the morning and spends the entire day looking for him. We are talking to the watchmen of nearby societies and local animal feeders to find Prixcy. We just want him back safely. We have also printed and distributed 500 pamphlets in the area,” Joshi added.

“We are worried about Prixcy’s health as he suffers from age-related arthritis. Prixcy need medicines and injections for his condition,” Joshi said.