Garhwal Post Bureau
Srinagar (Pauri Garhwal), 13 Jun: Dr Uttam Bhandari, a former president of the Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University Student Union and a former Zila Panchayat member, has been attacked by motorcyclists undertaking a pilgrimage. The assault left Bhandari injured, prompting Srinagar Police to arrest three youths linked to the incident. This marks the third such assault by bike rider tourists or pilgrims in Uttarakhand within ten days and in all the cases, road rage seems to be the major reason.
The police action came after a video related to this assault went viral on social media yesterday and the people expressed their anguish over such incidents. According to police reports, the altercation started when a motorcycle collided with Bhandari’s car, escalating into violence. Dr Bhandari, who was travelling with his son, was struck from behind near Banswara in Agency Mohalla. Locals say that as the argument intensified, a group of youths assaulted Dr Bhandari using helmets and sticks, resulting in facial injuries.
Concerned residents intervened to stop the attack, and in the process, also beat up the accused. Dr Bhandari and the locals took the youths to the police station, where an outcry ensued over the rising number of such incidents. Soon after, the companions of the accused gathered outside the station. Upon spotting them, the agitated crowd attempted to apprehend them as well. The police managed to escort them inside safely.
The police inspector stated that a case has been registered regarding the assault involving local residents and motorcyclist pilgrims. Three youths from Panipat, Haryana, have been arrested, and two motorcycles have been seized. Investigations are ongoing, and further action will be taken accordingly.
Following the complaint, a police team led by Srinagar Circle Officer Anuj Kumar and Inspector-in-Charge Jaipal Singh Negi examined CCTV footage, leading to the arrest of three accused individuals. The arrested youths have been identified as Ankit Kashyap (21), Dharmendra Kashyap (24), and Deepak Kashyap (20), all from Sonipat, Haryana.
Two motorcycles have also been seized, including one bearing the registration number HR11Q 7343 and another Super Splendor bike without a number plate. Both the vehicles were found operating in violation of traffic rules, lacking registration certificates, driving licences, and helmets.
This incident follows two similar assaults involving motorcyclist pilgrims in the region. On 3 June, Sikh pilgrims travelling to Hemkund Sahib reportedly attacked local youths in Srinagar Garhwal with swords. Later, on 6 June, Sikh devotees engaged in a parking dispute in Joshimath, leaving three locals injured. The latest attack has further raised concerns over rising tensions between locals and pilgrims.
