Noida : On this somber date, 17th October 2023, the community of Lotus Boulevard in Sector 100 solemnly recalls the horrifying incident from exactly a year ago. It was a day that shattered their peace, as a 7-month-old baby fell victim to a pack of dogs in a shocking and brutal attack. The child’s parents, present at the scene due to contractual labor work, witnessed the tragedy unfold helplessly as the dogs inflicted fatal injuries, leaving the infant’s lifeless body.
The First Anniversary of Arvind’s Tragic Passing
Today, as the community marks the first death anniversary of baby Arvind, they find themselves grappling with the heart-wrenching reality that his sacrifice may have been in vain. The menace of dog attacks continues to plague their lives, escalating with each passing day.
In the aftermath of the incident, residents took to the streets in protest, demanding justice for Arvind and the assurance of a safer environment for their children. Preeti Singh, a resident of Lotus Boulevard and one of the petitioners involved in seeking justice, expressed her commitment: “It was a renewal of our commitment that we will get him justice. Few petitioners are behind this and have raised this issue in the High Court and Supreme Court.”
The Ongoing Threat
Regrettably, Lotus Boulevard has not seen an end to such dog attacks. A young girl previously fell victim to a stray dog and remains in need of medical attention even years later, casting a shadow of uncertainty over her complete recovery. The ongoing incidents of dog attacks continue to endanger the lives of the community’s children.
‘Stray feeders are everywhere, creating problems’
Preeti Singh emphasized, “We do not want to forget these incidents and want to fight for the children. When we raise our voices, we do get support, but the same issue remains: stray feeders are everywhere, creating problems.”
Balancing Compassion and Safety
Residents of Lotus Boulevard have found themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. The community’s compassion for animals also compelled them to protect the lives of dogs responsible for Arvind’s tragic fate from outraged residents. They sought to relocate these animals to more suitable, hygienic shelters rather than resorting to violence. However, this compassionate approach has led to a divisive debate within the community, with complaints and support coming from various quarters.
A Perilous Situation
Residents now face the perilous prospect of unprovoked dog attacks in various parts of the community. The parking area and green spaces have become hunting grounds for these aggressive strays. The situation is particularly concerning for elderly residents who may be vulnerable to these attacks. Preeti shared her fears, saying, “My father is 80 years old. What will happen if dogs attack him? How will he call for help as there is no signal in the basement? How much can we expect from the security guard?”
Challenges with the Security Personnel
The security personnel in the community are confronted with their own set of challenges. Salary issues, job dissatisfaction, and other factors often inhibit them from fulfilling their duties effectively. They may be absent from their posts, engaged in activities unrelated to their responsibilities, or unavailable when needed the most, contributing to the community’s vulnerability.
In Lotus Boulevard, the residents continue to grapple with these complex issues, seeking a balance between compassion for animals and the safety of their community members. The legacy of Arvind’s tragic passing remains a reminder of the need for change and the pursuit of a safer and more harmonious living environment.