Dog Walking Dispute Turns Violent in Bhopal's Amrit Enclave Colony
Tension flared in Amrit Enclave, a covered campus colony located in the Ayodhya Nagar area of Bhopal, after a seemingly minor disagreement over walking a dog and keeping pets at home spiraled into a violent physical confrontation. The altercation involved a dog lover and local residents, leading to injuries and legal repercussions.
Escalation of the Incident
The dispute began when a dog lover was walking a dog in the colony, which prompted objections from some residents. According to reports, the situation quickly deteriorated as both sides allegedly engaged in pushing, scuffling, and assault during the heated exchange. In the midst of the chaos, a man accompanying the dog lover sustained a head injury, adding to the severity of the incident.
A video recorded during the altercation later went viral on social media platforms, drawing widespread attention to the conflict. The Ayodhya Nagar police responded by registering counter cases based on complaints filed by both parties involved, highlighting the complex nature of the dispute.
Dog Lover's Perspective
In his complaint to the police, Rishabh Dhakad, a 23-year-old resident of Rajiv Nagar, provided details from the dog lover's side. He stated that his friend, who lives in Amrit Enclave, is an animal lover and takes care of stray dogs. On the night of January 18, Rishabh and his friend were walking a dog in the colony when a man named Sameer, accompanied by a friend, objected and questioned why the dog was being walked if it could not be controlled.
Following the initial argument, the woman returned to her house. However, Sameer later returned with his wife and an associate and allegedly verbally abused and pushed her. When the situation escalated, Rishabh intervened to protect his friend, after which he was allegedly assaulted by several people. He sustained a head injury and was later sent to the hospital after a medical examination arranged through the police.
Based on Rishabh's complaint, the police registered a case under sections related to assault against approximately half a dozen individuals, indicating the seriousness of the allegations.
Neighbourhood Resident's Counter Complaint
In a counter complaint, Manish, a 48-year-old resident of Amrit Enclave, presented a different version of events to the police. He claimed that his sister-in-law was standing in the colony when she objected to the woman walking a dog, alleging that the dogs create filth in the area.
Manish stated that the dog lover became aggressive and started abusing his sister-in-law. When he asked the woman to stop abusing, she allegedly attacked him, and her friend Rishabh Dhakad joined in and assaulted him. Manish further reported that when other residents tried to intervene and rescue him, they too were pushed and scuffled with, suggesting a broader involvement in the conflict.
This counter complaint led to the police registering additional cases, reflecting the ongoing tensions and differing accounts of the incident.
Community Impact and Police Response
The incident has highlighted underlying tensions in the community regarding pet ownership and public behavior. The physical clash and subsequent police cases have raised concerns about safety and conflict resolution in residential areas.
The Ayodhya Nagar police are actively investigating the matter, with both sides providing their versions of events. The viral video has added a layer of public scrutiny, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue and adherence to local regulations to prevent such disputes from escalating in the future.
