Tripura, 10 Feb 2026: Nevidita Sen Gupta, an animal rescuer who has been running a shelter house with her own funds for the past six to seven years, has alleged harassment, misinformation, and unfair targeting by certain NGOs following the death of a few rescued dogs.
Speaking to Aguli TV, Sen Gupta said she has been rescuing stray dogs and cats from roads, drains, deep wells, and septic pits, treating them like her own children and caring for them at her residence. She also claimed to have rescued other animals, including a monkey that was later handed over to the Forest Department, with proper documentation.
Sen Gupta, a government employee and school teacher, said she had to leave her job due to lack of time, as managing the shelter requires round-the-clock attention. She stated that her monthly expenses for the shelter range between ₹4–5 lakh, while her salary was only ₹94,000, forcing her to take loans and seek support from fish and meat vendors, for which she has evidence.
She alleged that a dog with suspected symptoms of canine distemper was forcibly left at her shelter by members of another NGO, despite her repeated objections and warnings. “I immediately suspected canine distemper and requested them to take the dog back, but they refused,” she said. After the dog was taken away the next day, several animals in her shelter reportedly fell ill, and some died within days.
Following the incident, Sen Gupta approached Animal Resource Development Minister Sudhangshu Das and later senior officials, seeking immediate help and a separate space to protect the rescued animals. She said she was advised to form an NGO to be eligible for land allotment, after which she began the registration process.
However, she alleged that during a meeting at the mayor’s office, MLA Dipak Majumder, regarding shelter facilities as per Supreme Court guidelines, two NGOs objected to her presence, citing lack of registration. She claimed that despite earlier cordial relations, the attitude of these NGOs suddenly changed without explanation.
The situation escalated further when, according to Sen Gupta, members of an NGO allegedly entered her shelter premises without permission while she was away seeking medical treatment for sick animals. “My animals and staff were terrified. Such an incident has never happened in the last six to seven years,” she said.
Sen Gupta clarified that she has no personal ambition to run an NGO but was compelled to do so due to land requirements. She appealed for unity among animal welfare groups and demanded that all NGOs, including established ones, be brought under regular government inspection.
“I have no objection to inspections. But inspections should be equal for everyone,” she said, urging the government to appoint authorities to monitor NGOs as well. She emphasized her primary goal is to ensure clean streets, healthy animals, vaccination, sterilization, and public safety.
She also appealed to media persons for support and sought security to continue her work fearlessly.
AGULI STAFF DESK
