Investigation launched after Indian congressmen fire pigeons from a rocket
Animal rights activists have labelled the incident as outrageous.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What was supposed to be a welcoming gesture has now become controversy in the West Godavari district of Hyderabad.
Footage has emerged showing members of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) tying two pigeons inside a rocket before firing it into the air to mark the arrival of President of the APCC, Raghu Veera Reddy.
One of the individuals now subject to a police investigation has been named as Sheikh Rafiullah Baig who holds the position of West Godavari district Congress president.
There were initial reports suggesting the pigeons were killed in the act, but it has now been reported that the birds managed to fly away unharmed.
Kovvur Town Police Inspector Prasad Rao told Indian Express: “The newspaper cones carrying the pigeons detached when the rockets exploded in the sky and they flew off but it definitely is cruelty towards the birds.”
“Some people claimed that the birds died but we checked videos taken on mobile phones which show that the birds were unharmed and flew away. We have registered a case against Baig and two of his supporters who have been identified under various sections of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.”
The incident took place on Sunday which also coincided with World Animal Day.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments