Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Dog Costume Protest Raises Questions Over Khandwa Sterilisation Drive
A man went to a government office dressed like a dog.
He wanted officials to notice complaints about stray dogs in Khandwa.
The protest happened during a public meeting where people submit complaints.
Deepak Rathore, an opposition leader, said money meant for sterilising dogs may not have been used properly.
One report said about Rs 40 lakh was billed for the programme.
People said stray dogs were still causing problems.
Officials said they would investigate the complaint.
Videos and pictures of the unusual protest spread on social media.
A man wearing a giant dog costume or mask protested at the Khandwa Collectorate over stray dogs.
The protest occurred during a weekly public grievance hearing, with reports differing on whether it was Monday or Tuesday.
Khandwa opposition leader Deepak “Mullu” Rathore alleged financial irregularities in the municipal sterilisation programme.
One report said around Rs 40 lakh was billed, while residents continued reporting stray-dog incidents.
Additional Collector Kashi Ram Badole said the administration would investigate and act if irregularities were established.
- Who
- A man in a dog costume, accompanied by Khandwa Municipal Corporation opposition leader Deepak “Mullu” Rathore, raised the complaint.
- What
- A protest and complaint alleged irregularities in Khandwa’s stray-dog sterilisation programme and continuing stray-dog problems.
- When
- During a public grievance hearing; the reports differ, describing it as Monday or Tuesday. The reports were published on August 19, 2026.
- Where
- The Khandwa Collectorate in Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- To draw attention to alleged misuse of public funds, seek an inquiry and highlight the continuing stray-dog menace.
Protesters’ Allegations
Administration’s Response
Whether the programme worked
Protesters’ Allegations
Deepak Rathore and the complainants alleged that the sterilisation programme was conducted only on paper or involved financial irregularities, while stray-dog problems continued.
Administration’s Response
The administration did not confirm the allegations but said it would examine the functioning of the sterilisation centre and the programme.
Use of public funds
Protesters’ Allegations
Rathore alleged that government funds allocated for sterilisation had been misappropriated and sought accountability and an inquiry.
Administration’s Response
Additional Collector Kashi Ram Badole said strict action would be taken against those responsible if the investigation established irregularities.
- Location
- Khandwa Collectorate, Madhya Pradesh
- Protest format
- A man appeared wearing a giant dog costume or dog mask
- Accompanying official
- Deepak “Mullu” Rathore, Leader of Opposition, Khandwa Municipal Corporation
- Programme questioned
- Khandwa Municipal Corporation’s stray-dog sterilisation programme
- Amount alleged
- Around Rs 40 lakh was reportedly billed for dog sterilisation in one report
- Administrative response
- Additional Collector Kashi Ram Badole said an inquiry would examine the allegations and the sterilisation centre
- Public reaction
- Photographs and videos circulated on social media, with many users praising the unusual protest
