A horse could have its leg amputated after it was allegedly assaulted by a politician in the middle of an anti-government protest.
Ganesh Joshi, from the ruling BJP party, is accused of attacking the horse, named Shaktimaan, with a stick on Monday during a political protest in the north of the country.
The animal suffered multiple fractures which could lead to a leg amputation, according to the horses’ vet.
“Shaktimaan has suffered multiple fractures, including a compound fracture and has been taken to a veterinary hospital.
“There is virtually no hope for him to do police work in future. Now, our aim is to ensure a painless life for him.
“The leg will have to be amputated and we are just hoping that he recovers,” officer Sadanand Date told the Times of India.
Police have lodged a complaint against Mr Joshi for cruelty to animals.
Mr Joshi said the charge against him was politically motivated.
“The footage which the electronic media is showing by linking with an old clip – in which I am lifting a stick in front of the horse – has no connection at all,” the told the BBC.
“The horse fell down when someone pulled its saddle and the animal sustained a fracture on its leg,” he added.
The incident has caused outrage in India, where many have taken to social media, using the hashtag “Is a horse anti national”, in reference to the arrests of university students who allegedly shouted “anti-India” slogans.
BJP members were protesting against the Harish Rawat government in Dehradun, reports the Times of India.
The incident took place in the northern state of Uttarakhan’s capital Dehradun.
Shaktimaan has served for almost ten years with the Uttarakhand police.
