Exotic cat worth Rs 50K stolen from Chintalkunta residence

Hyderabad: A Khao Manee breed cat, named ‘Mennu’, was stolen from a pet lover’s house in Jahangirnagar Colony of Chintalkunta on Sunday night.

The cat, a rare breed originating in Thailand and costing Rs 50,000, was stolen by an unidentified person wearing a red hoodie, who lifted the pet by the neck when she was relieving herself and fled on a black bike, complainant Sheikh Hussain Mahabub told the police.

The incident took place around 8.45 pm. The thief allegedly fed the cat to gain her confidence, placed her in the space between his legs and fled the scene, the police said.

Hussain said that he got suspicious when he could not find Mennu near his house or neighbouring lanes. “Around 9.15 pm, Mennu usually goes for potty, but she did not return. I got concerned as she always returns, unlike other wild cats who go missing for hours or days,” he said.

He said that he bought the cat as a two-month-old and was taking care of her since. “My mother Chand Sultana, hearing that Mennu was stolen, fell sick and is not eating anything. She is constantly crying and praying,” he said.

Hussain said that upon not being able to find the cat, he went through the CCTV footage and found that an unidentified person had taken her and moved towards Sagar Highway.

Announcing a reward for information on his pet’s whereabouts, Hussain appealed to people to contact him on mobile number 7075920720.

The police registered a case of animal theft under Section 379 of the IPC.

“We have recorded Hussain’s complaint and we are going through CCTV footage in the area. Soon, we will get the cat thief,” K. Satyanarayana, Vanasthalipuram police inspector, said.