Tue Mar 11 17:45:43 UTC 2025: ## Madhya Pradesh Police Under Fire for Handling of Cricket Celebrations
**Dewas, Madhya Pradesh:** The Dewas district police are facing intense criticism after videos surfaced showing them parading and forcibly shaving the heads of several young men who celebrated India’s Champions Trophy victory on Sunday. The incident, which sparked outrage on social media, has led to an investigation and calls for accountability.
The controversy began after large-scale celebrations in Dewas turned violent. Police attempted to intervene when some youths began dangerously bursting fireworks near Sayaji Gate, leading to a confrontation. Footage shows youths pelting stones at a police vehicle and misbehaving with officers. Ten youths were subsequently charged in connection with the incident.
However, the police response has drawn sharp condemnation. Videos emerged showing some of the arrested youths being paraded through the streets with their heads shaved, a punishment described as “unjustified” by BJP MLA Gayatri Raje Puar. Ms. Puar met with Dewas SP Punit Gehlot, who has launched an investigation into both Sunday night’s events and the subsequent police actions. The investigation, headed by Additional SP Jaiveer Singh Bhadoria, is expected to conclude within seven days.
Adding to the controversy, two of the youths have been detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), allowing for up to 12 months of detention. Ms. Puar stated that the young men were not habitual offenders and that the punishment was disproportionate.
The investigation will also examine a separate incident involving the alleged assault of a street food vendor by police on Sunday night. The constable involved has been transferred pending inquiry. The Dewas police face mounting pressure to explain their actions and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken against any officers found to have acted inappropriately.
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