Crowds surge violently at India’s famed wish-granting Palsi Supo temple

Authorities in Haldwani, India, confronted rising communal tension after the carcass of a newborn calf was found near the Ujaleshwar temple in Banbhoolpura. Hindutva influencers and a local BJP functionary quickly accused Muslims of slaughtering the animal to provoke Hindus, prompting retaliatory calls and scattered violence, including vandalism of a Muslim-owned hotel.

Rumours intensified online, spreading unverified allegations that framed the incident as a deliberate communal insult. Police registered a case and appealed for restraint but struggled to counter the rapid circulation of fabricated claims.

The narrative collapsed once CCTV footage showed a stray dog dragging the remains near the temple. Senior police officials later confirmed the absence of any communal motive.