​​​​​​​Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh), August 19: Khandwa Municipal Corporation Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Mullu Rathore attended the Jan Sunwai (public grievance hearing) with a person wearing a dog mask to highlight the growing stray dog menace and alleged irregularities in the civic body's dog sterilisation programme.

Rathore claimed that around 13,225 people in Khandwa had been bitten by dogs so far. He alleged that despite the Municipal Corporation spending lakhs of rupees on controlling the stray dog population, the number of dogs in the city has continued to rise, creating fear among residents.

"The people of Khandwa are very troubled. Dogs are targeting humans and animals day by day. So far, around 13,225 people have been bitten by dogs. Despite the Municipal Corporation spending lakhs of rupees, the number of dogs is not decreasing; rather, it is increasing," Rathore told ANI.

He said the growing number of stray dogs was particularly troublesome for pedestrians at night, while children were also afraid to travel to school. He alleged that residents often had to raise their feet while riding motorcycles to avoid attacks.

Rathore also alleged irregularities in the tender awarded for the dog sterilisation programme. He said the person wearing the dog mask was brought to the Jan Sunwai as part of a protest to draw attention to the issue and seek action against those responsible.

"We received information that there was some irregularity in the company that was awarded the sterilisation tender. Therefore, we submitted the application at the Jan Sunwai through a person dressed as a dog so that action can be taken and strict action can be initiated against whoever is responsible in the Municipal Corporation," he said.

Khandwa Collector Rishav Gupta, however, criticised the manner in which the protest was conducted, calling such publicity-oriented acts inappropriate at the Jan Sunwai. He said the public grievance hearing was a serious platform where district officials collectively address hundreds of complaints.

"During Jan Sunwai, a matter came to light regarding stray animals, particularly cases of dog bites being reported to the Municipal Corporation. Prima facie, it appears that such publicity stunts are not appropriate," Gupta said.

He noted that around 200 to 250 applications are received during the hearing and stressed that complaints should be submitted through the prescribed procedure so that they can be properly examined and addressed.

Gupta, however, assured that the allegations concerning the sterilisation programme would be investigated. "As far as the merits of the matter are concerned, it will be investigated. If any wrongdoing is found, action will certainly be taken," he said.