Betul Village Returns to Normalcy After Violent Protests Over Controversial Cow Video
Normalcy has been restored to Damjipura village in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh on Monday, following a day of violent protests triggered by the circulation of a disturbing video on social media. The video allegedly depicted a man engaged in an unnatural act with a cow, sparking widespread outrage among local residents and members of right-wing organizations.
Police Maintain Heavy Deployment as Precautionary Measure
While the situation has been reported as peaceful, authorities have continued to deploy heavy police force in the area as a precautionary measure to prevent any further escalation of tensions. Betul Superintendent of Police Veerendra Jain confirmed that the area has returned to peace, though security remains tight with ongoing patrols and surveillance.
"The situation has normalized and there is peace in the area, though force is still deployed as a preventive measure," stated SP Veerendra Jain. "So far, we have made a total of three arrests in connection with the incident."
Three Arrests Made in Connection with Video and Violence
The arrests include one person taken into custody on Sunday directly in connection with the controversial video that initially sparked the tension. Additionally, two more individuals have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the arson and vandalism that followed the video's circulation.
The protests turned violent on Sunday when mobs vandalized several small shops, torched tin-shed structures, and forced local markets to shut down completely. This prompted police to rush in additional forces from nearby districts to control the situation and prevent further damage.
Property Damage Reported, No Casualties in Violence
Police officials confirmed that while no casualties or injuries were reported during the violence, several small shops and vehicles suffered significant damage in the unrest. Authorities deployed a Vajra vehicle and reinforcements from multiple police stations to disperse crowds and restore order in the affected area.
Investigations are currently ongoing into both the alleged offence captured in the controversial video and the subsequent violence that erupted in its aftermath. Police have reiterated their appeal for calm among residents and have issued warnings about strict action against those found spreading rumors or inflammatory content on social media platforms.
Authorities Continue Investigations and Social Media Monitoring
Security remains heightened in Damjipura village as authorities work to ensure the situation does not flare up again. Police are closely monitoring social media activity and have emphasized their commitment to maintaining law and order while pursuing all aspects of the investigation thoroughly.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face in managing communal tensions triggered by social media content in rural areas of Madhya Pradesh, even as normalcy gradually returns to affected communities.
