Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 22 Jun: In a significant move claimed to be aimed at ensuring a fair, transparent and impartial investigation into the Karnaprayag incident involving Sikh pilgrims and local residents, Uttarakhand Police Headquarters has ordered the registration of a fresh FIR on the complaint of the father of an injured Sikh pilgrim and transferred the investigation of both related cases from Chamoli district to Haridwar district.
The decisions in this respect have been taken at the Police Headquarters level on the recommendation of the Inspector General of Police, Garhwal Range, following the incident that occurred on 16 June in Karnaprayag, Chamoli district, where a dispute between Sikh pilgrims and the local residents had escalated into a physical altercation.
According to the police, an FIR was earlier registered at Karnaprayag Police Station against Sikh pilgrims in connection with the clash. Subsequently, based on a complaint lodged by the father of an injured Sikh pilgrim, another FIR was registered at Karnaprayag Police Station on June 20 against unidentified persons allegedly involved in assaulting his son during the incident.
To ensure an independent, transparent and unbiased investigation, Uttarakhand Police Headquarters has ordered that the investigation of both FIRs be transferred from Chamoli district to Haridwar district. The investigations will now be conducted under the close supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Haridwar, Navneet Singh Bhullar.
Police Headquarters has also taken cognisance of allegations made by various Sikh organisations regarding the alleged conduct and behaviour of local police personnel during the incident. The inquiry into these allegations has been entrusted to DIG Yashwant Singh, who has been directed to submit his report within two weeks.
IG of Police, Garhwal Range, Rajiv Swaroop said that Uttarakhand Police respects the religious sentiments of all the communities and remains committed to ensuring fair, transparent and lawful action in every case. He said all the decisions taken in the matter are aimed at maintaining public confidence and ensuring justice through due process of law.
Swaroop further stated that the Hemkund Sahib Yatra is a deeply revered pilgrimage associated with the faith of thousands of devotees and is being conducted safely, peacefully and in an orderly manner through coordinated efforts of the police and civil administration. He emphasised that ensuring the safety, dignity and convenience of every pilgrim remains the highest priority of the police during the ongoing pilgrimage season.
The latest decisions come amid heightened attention on the Karnaprayag incident and the subsequent tensions witnessed in parts of the Garhwal region, with the police maintaining that all aspects of the matter will be examined impartially and in accordance with law.
