Mungeli, Chhattisgarh | Police in Mungeli district of Chhattisgarh have arrested two individuals after a video showing cruelty toward a dog during Holi celebrations went viral on social media, officials said Thursday.
According to the Office of the Senior Superintendent of Police, the action was taken under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police Bhojram Patel (IPS) after the disturbing video sparked public outrage online.
The incident reportedly occurred on March 4 in Dhaniyadoli village under the Dindori police outpost of Chilfi police station. A complaint was filed by 20-year-old Akash Sahu, a resident of the same village, who alleged that the accused dressed a stray dog in clothes, threw colored powder and spray into its eyes and mouth, and physically assaulted the animal using sticks and punches. The entire act was recorded and uploaded on Instagram, where it quickly circulated and drew criticism from viewers.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Following instructions from the SSP, a police team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Navneet Kaur Chhabra and Deputy Superintendent of Police (Lormi) Harvinder Singh launched a search operation.
Police arrested two accused — Tarun Kumar Sahu (20) and Lakshman Sahu (22), both residents of Dhaniyadoli village. Another accused, Prakash Sahu, has also been named in the case.
Considering the tense public reaction to the viral video, authorities also initiated preventive action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and presented the arrested individuals before the court.
The operation was carried out by a team from Chilfi Police Station led by Station In-Charge Inspector Raghuveer Lal Chandra along with officers from the Dindori outpost.
Police officials said strict action will be taken against those involved in acts of animal cruelty or attempts to spread such content on social media.