Mohammadpur cat killing: Court to draw verdict on 17 February
The evidence provided by the witnesses and the digital recordings confirmed that the cat was killed intentionally and with significant cruelty.
A Dhaka court today (3 February) set 17 February for delivering the verdict in a case filed over the brutal killing of a pet cat in the capital's Mohammadpur area last year.
The date was fixed by the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Al-Biruni Meer following the conclusion of arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.
The sole accused in the case, Akbar Hossain Shiblu, a resident of Muktijoddha Tower in Mohammadpur, was present in court during the proceedings.
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Zakir Hossain, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, expressed hope that the upcoming verdict would set a strong societal example regarding animal welfare and urged the court to ensure the maximum punishment for the accused.
Killed intentionally
The case originates from an incident on 1 February last year, when a cat belonging to a resident named Mansur went missing from the ninth floor of Muktijoddha Tower.
The gravity of the situation came to light after CCTV footage from the building was reviewed.
The footage reportedly showed the accused, Shiblu, kicking the cat repeatedly in a manner described as "indiscriminate".
According to the case statement, the accused continued to step on the animal even after it had collapsed and become motionless, ensuring its death.
The witness who first discovered the footage informed the owner and the animal rights activists, leading to a formal legal complaint.
The evidence provided by the witnesses and the digital recordings confirmed that the animal was killed intentionally and with significant cruelty.
Procedural history
Nafisa Nawrin Chowdhury filed the case on behalf of People for Animal Welfare on 5 February, 2025.
Following the initial filing, the court recorded the plaintiff's statement and directed the Mohammadpur police to conduct a thorough investigation.
The subsequent police report validated the allegations, confirming the details of the CCTV evidence and witness accounts.
On 14 July 2025, the court framed charges against Shiblu, officially commencing the trial.
Over the course of the proceedings, the court recorded the testimonies of four witnesses, concluding that phase on 2 December last year.
