FIR Filed After Five Racehorses Injured in Suspected Deliberate Attack at Pune Racecourse

Camp, 26th September 2025: Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against three individuals following a series of attacks on five trained racehorses at the Pune racecourse stable. Investigators believe the incidents were deliberate, aimed at keeping the animals out of upcoming competitions.

The horses, owned by different individuals, regularly compete in races organized by the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) in Pune and Mumbai.

Trainer Hormals Jamshed Antia, who has been in the racing industry for 28 years, filed a complaint naming Manoj Madhutek, a supervisor responsible for feeding the horses, along with Nirbhay Singh and Nausar Alam. According to Antia, the horses were struck on their front knees with blunt objects, causing severe swelling but no fractures.

“The injuries started quietly, one horse after another showing swelling on the front legs every four or five days. Initially, I didn’t think much of it, but when five horses suffered similar injuries within weeks, it became clear this was intentional. It felt like someone struck them hard with a bamboo stick,” Antia said on Thursday.

Police confirmed that the attacks occurred repeatedly over a period of six weeks. Inspector Vijayraj Doke of Wanowrie police station stated that the case has been registered under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (mischief by killing or maiming an animal) and relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Antia noted that four of the five horses had recently competed in the Indian Derby weekend, making them particularly valuable. “The supervisor was responsible for their daily care. I suspect he was paid to harm the horses to keep them out of competitions,” he said.

While X-rays showed no fractures, further imaging revealed extensive soft tissue swelling that could sideline the horses for a month or more. “The animals are now recovering under veterinary care at RWITC,” Antia added.

Police are investigating not only the motive behind the attacks but also the connections between Madhutek and the other two accused. Antia reported each incident to RWITC as it happened and approached police after the fifth injury.