Betul District Sees Violent Unrest Following Viral Cow Abuse Video
Tension and violence erupted in Damjipura village of Betul district on Sunday after a video allegedly depicting a 50-year-old man committing unnatural acts with a cow spread rapidly across social media platforms. The disturbing clip triggered widespread outrage among local residents and right-wing organizations, leading to significant arson, vandalism, and public disorder.
Mob Fury Leads to Widespread Damage and Police Intervention
As the video circulated from Sunday morning onwards, large crowds gathered in protest, with reports indicating a mob of over 500 people. The angry demonstrators set fire to several tin-shed shops, damaged market properties, vandalized vehicles, and forced local businesses to shut down. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that no injuries or casualties occurred during the violent outburst.
Police responded swiftly to the escalating situation, deploying close to 200 personnel along with additional forces from nearby Khandwa. A Vajra vehicle and senior district officials were also mobilized to disperse the crowd and restore order. Betul Superintendent of Police Veerendra Jain stated that the situation is now under control, thanks to timely police action.
Arrest Made Based on Video Evidence and Investigation Underway
According to SP Jain, the viral video showed a person approximately 50 years old allegedly engaged in unnatural acts with a cow late on Saturday night around 11:30 PM. The footage was reportedly recorded by a local youth who shared it on social media without informing the police, sparking the subsequent tension.
Law enforcement acted promptly on the video evidence, leading to the arrest of the accused individual. Police have launched a thorough investigation into both the original incident and the violence that followed. Authorities have issued appeals for public calm, warning against spreading rumors or provocative content online, and emphasizing that strict legal action will be taken against anyone disturbing peace.
Community Impact and Ongoing Security Measures
The incident has left the Damjipura community shaken, with damaged shops and disrupted daily life. While markets have begun reopening, heavy police presence remains in the area as a precautionary measure. The episode highlights the volatile nature of social media content and its potential to incite large-scale unrest in sensitive situations.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, working to prevent any further escalation while ensuring justice is served through proper legal channels for all involved parties.
