A police patrol team later arrived at the scene, but the victims alleged that no effective steps were taken to recover their phones or take immediate legal action against those involved.

Md Nazmul Haque, assistant commissioner of the Cantonment Zone under the Gulshan Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said police had received information about an altercation between residents and security guards over feeding cats in Baridhara DOHS.

“We later learnt that both sides would settle the matter through the local society on Friday afternoon. No one has filed a complaint so far. However, legal action will be taken if a complaint is lodged,” he said.

Members of the local organisation Animal Welfare of Baridhara DOHS said that forcibly removing or harming free-roaming animals from a residential area is punishable under the Animal Welfare Act, 2019.

The incident has triggered anger among local residents, who demanded an impartial investigation and swift legal action against those responsible for the alleged assault and seizure of mobile phones.

Meanwhile, a video of the incident has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation.

Social media users criticised the alleged violence and called for a more humane approach towards stray animals and those who care for them.

Fatima Khan, head of the animal welfare organisation Everything for Animals, said a small but influential group of people in residential areas often showed hostility towards stray animals.

“If people do not like animals, they do not have to love them, but they should not torture them or subject them to cruelty,” she said.

She said animal feeders often cleaned the areas after feeding stray animals and that violence could not be a solution to disagreements over feeding animals.

“We are always ready to work towards a solution by designating feeding areas, arranging vaccinations and facilitating spaying and neutering programmes,” she added.

The incident comes days after allegations that 12 stray dogs were killed in Baridhara DOHS, prompting widespread criticism on social media and coverage in several media outlets.

Animal welfare groups and the Dhaka North City Corporation had reportedly urged the Baridhara DOHS authorities not to kill stray dogs. However, allegations have been raised that those appeals were ignored.

With the controversy over the alleged killing of stray dogs still fresh, the latest incident involving the feeding of stray cats has once again put Baridhara DOHS under scrutiny.