In March 2025, the NHRC took serious note of the rising dog bite incidents across India, especially in Haryana, and directed the Animal Welfare Board of Haryana to investigate and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks. The issue gained attention after a report revealed 21.95 lakh dog bite cases in 2024, including 5 lakh children and 37 fatalities.
The stray dog menace is a pan-Indian phenomenon that is causing trouble to people, especially children every single day.
In 2024, in Chennai, several such serious cases came to light as well also in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and in the state of Kerala.
Sun City Apartments: Stray Dog Issue And Alleged Animal Trafficking Nexus
Against the backdrop of rising human-stray dog conflicts, a disturbing issue has surfaced at Sun City Apartments in Ibbaluru-Bellandur, Bengaluru.
Residents have been struggling with an ongoing stray dog problem, which they claim has been exacerbated by an alleged animal trafficking nexus operating within the complex. This issue, reportedly persisting for over a decade, has escalated in recent months, causing distress to children and senior citizens.
According to residents, a self-proclaimed animal activist named Minu Singh has been running an alleged rescue operation since 2010. Initially, she operated a shelter outside the complex, but following demolitions and legal restrictions on stray dogs in neighboring areas, she allegedly relocated dozens of dogs into Sun City Apartments. At any given time, 9 to 12 dogs reportedly occupy the ground floor, making it unsafe for children and elderly residents.
The activist in question started a rescue shelter in 2010, initially operating from a location 150–200 meters away from the apartment complex. While running the shelter, she continued to feed stray dogs inside Sun City Apartments, a practice that went unchallenged for years due to inaction from the apartment association. However, following COVID-19 and an increase in nearby constructions, her shelter was demolished, and stay orders against stray dogs were issued in other residential areas, including one obtained by NaVi Technologies. As a result, she allegedly relocated these displaced dogs into Sun City Apartments, significantly increasing their population within the premises.
Furthermore, since the activist claims to be feeding around 2,000 dogs within a two-kilometer radius, many dogs follow her back, creating an unpredictable rotation of strays within the complex.
Several alarming incidents have been reported, including dog bites, aggressive behavior, and children being chased while playing.
The dogs are not confined to the ground floor, as some have been spotted taking elevators to upper floors, reaching as high as the ninth floor.
Feeder networks inside the apartment have allegedly facilitated this movement, further aggravating the issue.
Allegations Of Financial Misconduct And Political Influence
Residents also allege that the activist has created a nexus of influence by paying off security guards, gardeners, and dog walkers. Her reported connections with Maneka Gandhi have made it difficult for residents to take action against her activities. Complaints of bribery and legal harassment have surfaced, with accusations that individuals who speak out are met with threats and false police complaints. In one instance, FIRs were allegedly filed against 40 residents, with the case being turned into a molestation accusation.
In December 2024, an FIR was registered at Bellandur Police Station based on a complaint by this self-proclaimed animal activist Minu Singh. The FIR, filed on 3 December 2024, alleged that an ‘unidentified man’ verbally abused her when she confronted him for attacking stray dogs.
However, residents of Sun City Apartments claim that this is yet another false complaint lodged by Singh to intimidate those who oppose her activities. Over the past decade, Singh has been accused of illegally sheltering stray dogs within the apartment complex, allegedly using her influence and political connections to suppress opposition. Residents have raised concerns that her NGO, Minu Rakshe Vahini Foundation, is involved in fraudulent fundraising under the guise of animal rescue while simultaneously creating an unchecked nuisance within the community.
According to Singh’s complaint, the incident occurred near the gym area behind Block-6 of Sun City Apartments at around 8:30 AM. She claimed that after hearing stray dogs barking, she stepped outside her apartment and saw a man, approximately 40 years old, attacking them. When she confronted him, he allegedly responded with abusive language and moved toward her aggressively, prompting her to call for help. Singh stated that the man fled the scene afterward. She has urged authorities to take legal action against him for animal cruelty and verbal abuse.
Residents, however, have a different perspective. Many argue that this is a pattern of behavior by Singh, who they allege has repeatedly misused legal provisions to silence those raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the apartment community. Some even recall previous instances where residents who opposed her were slapped with serious allegations, including molestation charges, in what they believe were deliberate attempts to intimidate and defame them.
Her X handle alleges that the residents of Suncity Apartments are “anti-animal”. Despite clear directives from the Residents Welfare Association and other officials prohibiting the entry of stray dogs into the apartment complex, her social media videos reveal her blatant defiance as she continues with her insistence to bring them in.
Additionally, concerns over financial transparency have emerged regarding the activist’s NGO, Minu Rakshe Vahini Foundation. The organization has allegedly raised nearly ₹50 lakh through crowdfunding, yet discrepancies in its registered address and other inconsistencies have raised doubts about its legitimacy.
Another point of contention is the unauthorized installation of three surveillance cameras by the activist—two directed at common areas and one facing neighboring flats in her corridor. Residents have demanded their removal, citing privacy violations. However, delays from the apartment association have prolonged the issue.
Intervention By Authorities
Following multiple complaints, the residents escalated the matter to the police, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and their local MLA. As a result, some relief was granted. Authorities ruled that dogs should not be allowed on ground floors and basements, and two illegal dog shelters outside the apartment gates were demolished. However, residents claim the activist continues to find ways to reintroduce strays into the complex.
A recent BBMP inspection counted 19 stray dogs residing within the apartment premises. Due to legal restrictions, these dogs cannot be relocated. However, the association has taken a stand that these dogs should be managed by them without the activist’s involvement, as her continued influence is seen as worsening the situation rather than resolving it.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.