📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Camaal
Politics
Opposition leader dons dog mask at Khandwa Collectorate to protest municipal dog‑bite scam
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 19 Aug 2026, 11:48 AM
👁 21
During a public hearing at Khandwa collectorate, opposition figure Deepak ‘Mullu’ Rathore appeared in a dog mask and alleged corruption in the municipal stray‑dog sterilisation programme.
Khandwa collectorate hosted a public hearing on Tuesday, where a protest was staged by opposition leader Deepak "Mullu" Rathour. Rathour arrived wearing a full‑face dog mask, a visual statement aimed at highlighting alleged irregularities in the municipal corporation's stray‑dog sterilisation scheme, popularly referred to as the "dog‑bite" programme.
He claimed that the process of neutering stray dogs was riddled with financial mismanagement and favoritism, suggesting that funds earmarked for animal welfare were being siphoned off. The protest drew attention from local officials and media, who noted the unusual attire but did not intervene.
Authorities at the collectorate confirmed that the hearing was convened to address public concerns about stray‑dog bites, but they declined to comment on the specific corruption allegations raised by Rathour. The incident underscores growing political tension in Madhya Pradesh over municipal governance and public‑health initiatives.
The protest has sparked debate on the effectiveness and transparency of the city's animal‑control measures, with civic groups urging a thorough audit of the programme's finances.
No arrests were made, and the hearing proceeded after the mask‑wearing protester was allowed to voice his concerns.
He claimed that the process of neutering stray dogs was riddled with financial mismanagement and favoritism, suggesting that funds earmarked for animal welfare were being siphoned off. The protest drew attention from local officials and media, who noted the unusual attire but did not intervene.
Authorities at the collectorate confirmed that the hearing was convened to address public concerns about stray‑dog bites, but they declined to comment on the specific corruption allegations raised by Rathour. The incident underscores growing political tension in Madhya Pradesh over municipal governance and public‑health initiatives.
The protest has sparked debate on the effectiveness and transparency of the city's animal‑control measures, with civic groups urging a thorough audit of the programme's finances.
No arrests were made, and the hearing proceeded after the mask‑wearing protester was allowed to voice his concerns.