By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Uttarkashi, 16 Oct: Tension prevailed in Uttarkashi today after allegations that rotis served at Zaika Restaurant, located opposite the police post, were being prepared with saliva mixed into the dough. Members of some Hindu organisations and the local youths staged protests in the market from early morning, leading to the temporary closure of several shops belonging to the Muslim community to which the accused belong. The restaurant is stated to be run by a young man from that community. Following the protest, the restaurant was searched, and staff records were also examined after complaints emerged that police verification of employees had not been carried out.
According to information received, a team of Bajrang Dal volunteers reached the spot upon learning of the purported act, took cognisance of the matter and detained the accused persons before handing them over to the police. The police subsequently registered a case and took the accused into custody. Further action is reportedly being taken. However, in order to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incident, police forces were deployed in the district as a precaution, and officers remained at the scene as the protests continued, and shopkeepers kept shutters down to avoid escalation.
The allegation has provoked widespread anger in the town, with protesters describing the episode as part of “spit jihad” and warning of an organised attempt to humiliate and intimidate. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has publicly stated that those found involved in such acts will not be spared and strict legal action will follow. While the officials stress that enquiries are ongoing, local residents have expressed deep anguish and have demanded a thorough and speedy probe into the incident.
In this particular incident, the community leaders and the local administration have urged calm and appealed for evidence-based investigation, warning that rumours and unverified social-media posts risk inflaming passions further. Law-enforcement officials say they are examining CCTV footage, questioning the staff and the patrons, and will rely on forensic and medical reports where necessary to establish the facts. At the same time, organisers of the protests maintain that strong action is necessary to deter any deliberate attempts to contaminate food or cause communal discord.
Workers from the Hindu organisation stated that such acts will not be tolerated in the Devbhoomi at any cost. They strongly condemned such incidents.
Meanwhile, SP-Uttarkashi Sarita Dobhal has confirmed that the accused has been arrested. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the accused under Section 63/2025, and Sections 196 (1) (B) and 274 BNS.
The Uttarkashi episode has reopened wounds from other recent, troubling incidents reported in the state. In a recent case, a vendor selling fruit juice was reportedly caught spitting into the jug used for serving juice to the customers while in another recent incident, a person was alleged to have rubbed a towel against his private parts and then placed that towel in a utensil intended to keep fruit juice for serving to the customers. These incidents were reported to local authorities and have been also widely shared on social media. Similar complaints have also surfaced from some marriage functions where, according to organisers and guests, tandoori rotis were spit on before serving and had triggered fears about food safety and communal tensions.
It may be noted that in October, last year (2024), Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had given strict instructions for action against those who contaminate food items. Following the Chief Minister’s directives on such matters, guidelines were also issued by the Uttarakhand Police Headquarters.
