Police Launch Investigation into Video of Men in Sheikh Attire at Har Ki Pauri

A video showing two men in sheikh attire at Har Ki Pauri has prompted a police investigation. The incident has raised concerns regarding non-Hindu access to Ganga ghats during the Kumbh Mela.

A video showing two men in traditional sheikh attire, known as kandura, at Har Ki Pauri has prompted a police investigation. The footage, which surfaced online, shows the men bathing at Ganga ghat, causing a stir among locals. This incident has reignited calls to restrict non-Hindu access to all Ganga ghats in the Haridwar Kumbh Mela area.

The priests at the site reported the incident to their organisation, Ganga Sabha, which then alerted the police. However, by the time authorities arrived, the men had already left. The individuals identified themselves as Habibullah and Habibi from Dubai when questioned by the priests. They claimed to be social media influencers creating content for YouTube.

Police Investigation Underway

Ujjwal Pandit from Ganga Sabha stated that a search was initiated after receiving information about the men, but they had already departed. He suggested that the video appears to be an intentional attempt to disturb the peace at Har Ki Pauri. The police are now investigating all aspects of the incident, including the men's origins and intentions.

In the video, Habibullah is heard saying they can roam freely anywhere in India. The footage also shows them walking around Har Ki Pauri casually. This has led to heightened concerns among local religious communities about maintaining the sanctity of the area.

Demands for Restricted Access

The Ganga Sabha and priest community have recently demanded that all Ganga ghats in the Kumbh Mela area be declared non-Hindu restricted zones. The Uttarakhand government is seriously considering this demand in light of recent events. This move aims to preserve the religious significance of these sites.

Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Singh Dobal confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. He stated that further actions would depend on the findings from this probe. Authorities are keen on understanding why these men were present in such attire at a religious site.

The incident has sparked discussions about cultural sensitivity and respect for religious traditions in India. As investigations continue, officials are working to ensure that such incidents do not disrupt communal harmony in sacred areas.

With inputs from PTI