Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 30 Jun: Amidst the peak tourist season in Mussoorie an act of hooliganism by a tourist has once again disrupted the town’s peaceful atmosphere. Late Sunday night, a minor dispute near the Bata showroom on Mall Road escalated into violence when a tourist from Haryana attacked a local couple. It is alleged that the young man grabbed a plastic crate from a nearby shop and struck both the woman and her husband on the head with full force. The blow was so severe that the woman lost consciousness and collapsed on the road right there. Chaos and panic ensued among the onlookers following the incident. A video of the entire episode is rapidly going viral on social media. The footage has sparked outrage among locals, who are now demanding strict action against such unruly tourists.
According to eyewitnesses, a dispute arose between the accused tourist and the local couple over an unspecified issue. Within moments, the young man lost his temper, picked up a plastic crate kept outside a shop, and attacked the woman and her husband. The woman collapsed after being struck forcefully on the head. It is alleged that the accused also assaulted others who tried to intervene and threatened the bystanders. This created a stampede-like situation on the Mall Road for a brief period.
As soon as information about the incident was received via the 112 control room, the Mussoorie Police’s ‘Cheetah’ mobile unit and the night duty officer rushed to the scene. The police separated the parties, brought the situation under control, and took the unruly young man into custody. Mussoorie Station House Officer (SHO) Devendra Chauhan stated that the police took immediate action upon receiving reports about the indecent behaviour, assault, and a breach of the peace in a public place. After undergoing a medical examination, the accused was produced before the Executive Magistrate, and necessary legal proceedings were initiated under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Additionally, a challan was issued for his vehicle after violations of the Motor Vehicles Act were detected during the investigation.
According to the police, the arrested individual has been identified as Neeraj Raghav (36), son of Ramnath Singh, a resident of Bada Gaon Sikandarpur, Tehsil Manesar, Sector-86, Gurugram (Haryana). Preliminary information suggests the accused was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The police are investigating other aspects of the case as well.
The woman injured in the attack was immediately taken to the Sub-District Hospital in Mussoorie, where she received medical treatment. She underwent a medical examination due to a head injury sustained during the incident. Following the event, locals have demanded justice for the woman and her family.
After a video of the incident went viral on social media, the public demanded strict action from the police. The video clearly shows the accused’s aggressive behaviour and the assault on the woman. Locals argue that a failure to take stern action in such cases would send the wrong message.
Mussoorie’s economy is dependent on tourism. The hotel industry, taxi services, restaurants, shopkeepers, and thousands of local families rely on employment generated by tourists. Residents state that while tourists are always welcome in Mussoorie, there is no place for those who create a ruckus while intoxicated or take the law into their own hands. Local traders note a recent rise in incidents involving drunken rowdiness, assault, and indecent behaviour by tourists. This is not only compromising the safety of local residents but also tarnishing Mussoorie’s image—both domestically and internationally—as a peaceful and safe tourist destination.
Mussoorie police state that, in view of the tourist season, patrols have been intensified in areas such as Mall Road, Gandhi Chowk, Library Chowk, and other crowded locations. Immediate and strict legal action will be taken against anyone found disturbing the peace in public places, creating a ruckus while intoxicated, or disrupting law and order.
