A mob vandalised shops in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani on Sunday night after rumours circulated that the head of a calf had been found near a school located close to a temple, The Indian Express reported.
A crowd began gathering in Banbhulpura after videos and messages about the alleged discovery spread on social media, following which several shops and vehicles were vandalised.
The police lathi-charged the mob and deployed additional forces to prevent further unrest, The Indian Express reported.
A complaint was filed by a resident, Ravinder Gupta, against an unidentified person, and the remains were sent for forensic examination.
Superintendent of Police (Crime) Jagdish Chandra said that initial CCTV footage suggested a dog had dragged “a piece of meat towards that side”, The Lallantop reported.
He added that further analysis was underway.
A first information report was registered in connection with the vandalism against 40-50 unidentified persons. So far, seven persons have been detained in connection with the violence.
The case was filed under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita sections pertaining to voluntarily causing hurt, act endangering life or personal safety of others, rioting, criminal intimidation among others.
On Monday, the Nainital Police urged residents not to fall for misinformation and appealed to everyone to verify any information before sharing it.
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