The youth who created ruckus in Haridwar were residents of which state and district? What allegations did the local people make against the accused in the market and Har Ki Pauri? What action did the police take after the viral video surfaced? How did the local priest Ujjwal Pandit react to this incident?
Four youths from Uttar Pradesh, under the influence of alcohol, created a ruckus in the holy city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The police have taken these four into custody. The incident took place on Wednesday evening, when these youth created a ruckus near the famous Har Ki Pauri Ghat. There was anger among locals and pilgrims after a video of their actions surfaced online. According to police and local people, all four accused are residents of Khekra area of Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh. They have been identified as Rajeev, Vipin, Kapil Sharma and Vikas. These people had reached Haridwar during the yatra and religious season. According to the report, there was a huge crowd in the city at this time.
misbehavior in the main market
Eyewitnesses said that soon after the evening Ganga Aarti, these youths got drunk and started creating ruckus in the main market of Haridwar. Local people claim that the accused were shouting loudly, staggering in the crowded streets and harassing shopkeepers and pedestrians.
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It is being said that many women also faced harassment as the youth were deliberately pushing people and making lewd comments. Some people made a video of this incident on their mobile phones. These clips soon went viral on social media, sparking anger among people. People present in the market said that the situation could have been dangerous as thousands of pilgrims and families were present in the area at that time.
Uproar at Har Ki Pauri Ghat
After creating a ruckus in the market, the four youths reached Har Ki Pauri Ghat. Witnesses said he forcefully pushed the devotees aside and jumped into the Ganga river despite being drunk. Local people alleged that they kept doing obscene acts even while bathing in the river. Police were informed soon after the video of the incident went viral online. Har ki Pauri outpost incharge Sanjeet Kandari reached the spot with the police team. The four accused were taken out of the river and taken into custody. During interrogation, the police confirmed that the four youths were residents of Baghpat district and were drunk at the time of the incident.
Police action after viral video
The police have taken action against the accused under the Police Act for disturbing peace at a religious place and creating public nuisance. Officials said the youth were released after paying fines and apologizing for their actions. The incident has once again raised concerns over unruly behavior of tourists at religious places during the peak travel season.
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According to Aaj Tak reports, local priest Ujjwal Pandit strongly criticized the behavior of the accused and said that such actions hurt the religious sentiments of devotees visiting Haridwar. He claimed that he himself had followed the group and kept the police informed about their movements. According to him, timely police action prevented any possible fight or major disturbance. He also responded to those who talk about boycotting Uttarakhand or Haridwar-Rishikesh over some incidents. He said that local residents are not against visitors from any state, but strict action will always be taken against those who insult religious places or create unrest in the city.