Kolkata: A video call that should have been an ordinary conversation between former partners turned into a horrifying revelation when a woman allegedly saw her pet dog hanging by a noose around its neck. Moments later, she would learn that both her dogs were dead.

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The incident, reported from Bikramgarh in South Kolkata, has sparked widespread outrage, with animal welfare activists demanding stringent punishment for the accused, identified in some reports as Sanjib Bhattacharya.

Bhattacharya and his live-in partner, who goes by the name DJ Parinova, had been sharing an apartment in the area. However, after their relationship deteriorated, the woman decided to end the arrangement and move out.

She reportedly left her pets in Bhattacharya's care. On Saturday, during a video call with her former partner, Parinova noticed that one of her pet dogs, a Beagle, had allegedly been hanged.

Shocked by the sight, she immediately contacted a local resident and asked him to rush to the apartment.

What the resident reportedly encountered was even more disturbing. Both dogs were dead, and the apartment floor was covered in blood.

Preliminary accounts suggest that while the Beagle had been hanged, the second dog, an indigenous breed, was allegedly beaten to death with a brick.

The incident took a further disturbing turn when the accused allegedly told local residents that he had killed the animals because his former partner had left with Rs 8 lakh.

This claim, reported by a local shopkeeper, has not been independently established.

According to reports, seven dogs had been living in the apartment. Following the discovery, the five surviving animals, including a mother dog and her puppies, were reportedly rescued and shifted to safety.

Residents also allegedly found a half brick, a large knife and bloodstains inside the flat. Reports further suggested that water was being heated in the kitchen, although speculation surrounding its intended use remains unverified.

The Jadavpur Police reached the apartment after being alerted about the killings. Bhattacharya was detained for questioning, and an investigation was initiated.

Police are also examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Reports have mentioned possible mental instability on the accused's part, but no confirmed medical diagnosis has been made public.

The incident prompted an immediate response from members of the city's animal welfare community.

Actress and animal rights advocate Debleena Dutt reached the spot on Saturday evening, accompanied by representatives of several organisations. They demanded post-mortem examinations of the dogs and called for the strictest possible action against the accused.

Dutt also shared footage from the location via a live broadcast, drawing attention to the animals' condition and the alleged brutality.

Actress Sreelekha Mitra, actor Tathagata Mukherjee and BJP MLA Papia Adhikari were also among those who reportedly reached Jadavpur Police Station, demanding accountability and stringent legal action.

West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Pal was also reportedly approached after the incident, and a team was sent to the location.

With five dogs rescued and two animals dead, the incident has once again brought attention to the vulnerability of companion animals and the need for stronger accountability in cases of alleged animal cruelty.