Damoh youth forced to wash another man’s feet, drink water:Alleged ‘punishment’ over social media meme; police register FIR against 6

In Damoh, a young man was forced to wash the feet of another man and drink the water. This punishment was reportedly for posting a meme on social media. A video of the act went viral, prompting police to register an FIR against six people. The incident has drawn criticism from Congress and responses from the BJP government. Background of the incident Prohibition is currently in force in Satariya village, Damoh. Recently, a young man named Anuj alias Annu Pandey was found selling and drinking alcohol. Following this, another village youth posted a video of Annu on social media. The video used AI to show Annu wearing a garland of shoes. Panchayat punishment The video angered some villagers. Despite deleting the post and apologising publicly, the matter escalated. On Friday, the local panchayat summoned the youth who posted the video. They ordered him to wash Annu’s feet and drink the water. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the youth followed the order in front of the assembled villagers. A video of the youth washing Annu’s feet also circulated widely online. Responses from those involved Annu Pandey: Annu said in a video, “The video is being politicised. There is nothing wrong. Our relationship is of a guru and disciple, and the youth washed my feet voluntarily. If the Kushwaha community objects, I apologise.” Victim youth: The youth who washed the feet said, “Some people are turning this into a political issue. I made a mistake and apologised. The person whose feet I washed is our family guru. Please do not politicise this. I have asked the Collector, SP, and Station In-charge to remove the video and not take action against anyone.” Police action TI Saroj Singh confirmed that an FIR has been filed against six people. The police have not disclosed the names of the accused. Political reactions Congress: The party criticised the Madhya Pradesh government, calling the incident “a disgrace to humanity” and “against the Constitution.” Congress demanded strict action against the accused to send a message that such acts are unacceptable. BJP Response: Madhya Pradesh BJP spokesperson Ashish Agrawal wrote on X, “Congress sees politics in every crime. In our Mohan government, immediate and strict action is taken.” He confirmed that a case has been registered against Anuj Pandey and others, and emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance policy.