The IIT Hyderabad dog deaths have drawn an FIR, a police probe and a bitter dispute over campus feeding rules.

The IIT Hyderabad dog deaths have landed at a police station. Sangareddy Rural police registered an FIR on October 1 over a community dog that died after being injured on campus, the second such death within a month.

At a glance: A campus dog was reported dead on August 26 and another died in late September. Police booked a case after an animal welfare NGO complained. Students allege they are punished for feeding dogs and IIT Hyderabad denies it.

What happened to the dogs at IIT Hyderabad?

Wolfy, a campus dog, was reported dead on August 26 and the institute found nothing suspicious. The second death came a month later.

Adulapuram Goutham of the Stray Animal Foundation of India filed a complaint and police registered a case under section 325 of the BNS. PETA India alleges a security guard beat the dog on September 27 and that it died two days later. That remains an allegation. IIT-H says CCTV showed nothing conclusive and the post-mortem could not establish a cause because the body had decomposed.

What do students say about the feeding rules?

Students who feed the animals tell a harsher story. They allege starvation, serious injuries and harassment, along with ₹5,000 fines, warnings and, in two cases, removal from hostels.

The institute counters that feeding points sit 300–500 metres from hostels and academic buildings, within Animal Welfare Board of India guidelines. Gopinath Muvvala, who heads the Hostel Coordinating Unit, says no one was expelled and calls circulating videos misleading.

How has IIT Hyderabad responded?

An institute official told Deccan Chronicle: "We are as enraged for the dog's death as are others." The official said the limping dog's video went to an NGO, not campus authorities, so no vet could try to save it.

The institute also says more than 90 per cent of campus dogs are vaccinated and sterilised.

Why did the WhatsApp chat claims matter?

On August 28, an X user posted screenshots she said showed students plotting to harm dogs. "Don't they know that killing dogs is a crime?" wrote Susruthi Vempathi. The chats remain unverified in the reports reviewed. Hyderabad City Police reportedly took note.

What happens next?

Students and activists want a formal Animal Welfare Committee. IIT-H says talks continue with municipal authorities on rehabilitating campus dogs.

More to Know

Population: One activist claims around 200 dogs share the 576-acre campus with four feeding zones.

Scope: The NewsBytes report says police are probing two deaths, one involving a bus driver who lost his job.

Legal status: An FIR is a registration of a complaint.

The IIT Hyderabad dog deaths now sit at the intersection of criminal law, campus policy and student activism. Police have registered a case and the institute denies punishing feeders or finding foul play.

Business Fortune believes the investigation's outcome will matter most, followed by whether an animal welfare committee is formed.

FAQs

  1. What happened at IIT Hyderabad with the dogs?

    Two campus dogs died within about a month and police registered an FIR on October 1 over the second.

  2. Has anyone been arrested over the IIT Hyderabad dog death?

    None of the reports reviewed mention an arrest.

  3. Are students punished for feeding dogs at IIT Hyderabad?

    Students allege fines, warnings and hostel removals. The institute denies punishing anyone.

  4. Where can dogs be fed on the IIT Hyderabad campus?

    IIT-H says designated points sit 300–500 metres from hostels and academic buildings.

  5. Which law was the case registered under?

    Police registered it under section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Sources

Deccan Chronicle: Second Campus Dog Death · Deccan Chronicle: Dispute Escalates · Telangana Today · Hans India · NewsBytes · Free Press Journal