Hyderabad/IBNS, Jan. 14 -- A major animal cruelty scandal has erupted in Telangana after authorities confirmed that lethal injections were used to kill around 500 stray dogs across multiple districts.

The killings, allegedly carried out to honour controversial poll promises of creating "dog-free villages," have sparked public outrage and prompted a massive police crackdown.

The incidents were reported from Kamareddy and Hanamkonda districts, where elected village representatives are accused of orchestrating a coordinated culling operation.

The crackdown is being described as one of the largest investigations into animal cruelty in the state's history.

According to police sources, the killings followed the Gram Panchayat elections held...