Vidisha (MP): A dusk-to-dawn curfew was clamped in Ganjbasoda township of the district on January 14 after a mob set afire a number of shops following discovery of a cow's severed head from the house of a person from the minority community, police said.

Earlier, prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) had been imposed in the township but later a dusk-to-dawn curfew was clamped from 7 pm, which will remain in force till 6.30 am tomorrow (Jan 15).

Trouble began in the township after the severed head of a cow was found from house of Salim, who has since been arrested, police said.

The enraged mob set afire several shops and some vehicles as the word about the cow-head spread.

Police initially burst some teargas shells and then resorted to firing in the air to disperse the mob, officials said adding additional police personnel had been rushed.

Salim has confessed to have stolen the cow whose severed head was found from his house but no one has been arrested till now for alleged involvement in the burning of the shops and vehicles.

PTI