‘I could have had a second stroke’: Kolkata TV actor couple Sayantani, Indranil Mullick ‘assaulted’ by residents for feeding stray dogs

“Our staff, Chandan, regularly feeds the dogs over there. First, the locals who were sitting inside a local club came out and alleged that since a dog had bitten one of the locals, we cannot feed them any further. My husband tried to speak to them and make them understand, when suddenly some of the locals started physically assaulting Chandan.”

She added, “My husband tried to reason with them and also save the staff when he was also assaulted, and one man also threatened me, which was recorded on the video.”

Speaking to The Indian Express, Sayantani said she had a stroke two months ago and feared for her safety during the altercation. “I could have had a second stroke. They actually laid hands on me. While stopping us, they assaulted us physically, something that is completely unacceptable.”

She said that those who allegedly assaulted them claimed that the population of stray dogs had increased. They argued that the couple should take care of the stray dogs since the public was not responsible for them and that they should be left to fend for themselves. She also said that some other residents in the area had rushed to rescue them and tried to calm the situation.

She added that her husband Indranil sustained injuries, along with the staff, who were taken to Bangur Hospital for primary treatment.

The couple lodged a formal complaint at the Kasba police station after the incident, but no arrests have been made.

According to a senior police officer, a complaint had been received. “We have received a complaint, and we are investigating the matter. Statements from both sides will be recorded, and the CCTV footage will also be investigated.”

The entire incident has left the couple in complete shock. “We never thought this could happen, for feeding the stray dogs, which is the right of every human being. We are still coming to terms with the entire incident,” said Sayantani.

According to some residents, there was no assault as alleged, and that the actor couple were littering the area, and they just wanted to speak to the couple regarding this. They also said that the dogs are not sterilised and the children in the area are scared of them.