Kolkata Strays Vanish After Kali Puja, Owners Desperate for Reunion

As of October 23rd, 2025, several strays in Kolkata have been missing since Kali Puja night, and their owners and feeders are still searching for them. Social media platforms have been flooded with pleas from these individuals, requesting the return of their "furry babies" to their original localities.

One such stray parent, Somen Dey, a resident of Chaltabagan, has contacted animal rights organizations, claiming that the dog shown in a viral video on social media is his Lalu, who disappeared from near his house on Kali Puja night. Dey, who has been feeding Lalu for the past seven years, is determined to get him back.

Additionally, a couple from Elliot Road, Bharat Keshwani and Natasha, have announced a Rs 25,000 cash reward to get back their stray, Lily, who went missing on Monday night. The couple has been caring for Lily for the past year and is seeking public help to find her.

Meanwhile, 25 injured strays have been recovered from different parts of the city, with some, including a cat, suffering severe burns and battling for their lives. The cracker trauma has also affected other pets, such as a street dog that Tridib Jyoti Mukherjee has given shelter to, which is still shivering in fear and needs medication.