In Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, a group of youths were reportedly punished by police, who shaved their heads and paraded them publicly, allegedly for their enthusiastic celebrations of India’s Champions Trophy win on Sunday night.

The stringent National Security Act (NSA) has been invoked against two of the men after the matter turned violent, and they attacked the police. Under the NSA, a person can be detained for up to 12 months.

According to reports, police shaved the youths’ heads and publicly paraded them, ostensibly recreating their late-night celebrations.

Videos of the incident, showing the tonsured youths being escorted by the police on Monday, quickly went viral. The controversy prompted BJP MLA Gayatri Raje Puar to meet with Dewas Superintendent of Police (SP) Punit Gehlot on Tuesday.

“These young men were celebrating India’s victory just like the rest of the country. They are not habitual offenders, and the act of publicly parading them in such a manner is completely unjustified. Their families accompanied me to the SP’s office, where we strongly condemned this disproportionate punishment. The SP has assured a thorough inquiry into the matter," the MLA said.

MLA Gehlot said that an investigation has been launched into both the Sunday night celebrations and Monday’s events.

“The probe will examine all aspects, including whether those detained were involved. Additional SP Jaiveer Singh Bhadoria has been tasked with conducting a time-bound inquiry, which will be completed within seven days. Those found responsible will face appropriate action," he said.

The controversy erupted following widespread jubilations in Dewas over India’s Champions Trophy victory in Dubai.

A confrontation broke out near Sayaji Gate when police, led by the station in-charge, Ajay Singh Gurjar, tried to intervene and stop a group of youths from recklessly bursting firecrackers.

Video footage showed a group of youths misbehaving with the officers, forcing them to retreat. Some individuals were even seen chasing the police vehicle and pelting stones at it.

Following the incident, police filed charges against 10 youths based on video footage. In a shocking turn of events, videos emerged the next evening showing some of the accused being paraded from the police station to Sayaji Gate, their heads forcibly shaved.