Breaking: Nainital High Court Questions DGP Over Violence During Kanwar Yatra In Haridwar

The Nainital High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the rising incidents of violence, vandalism, and public disorder during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra in Haridwar. Amid multiple viral videos showing clashes, damaged property, and law enforcement struggling to control mobs, the court has asked the Uttarakhand DGP to clarify the measures being taken to maintain law and order.In response, the DGP informed the court about recent arrests, strict restrictions on DJ systems during the yatra, and new guidelines limiting the height of Kanwars to 8–12 feet to prevent processional chaos. He assured that police are actively monitoring routes and taking immediate action against troublemakers.The court also questioned the BJP government on their response to the viral videos showing violent conduct by some pilgrims. The High Court stressed the need for better crowd control mechanisms and proactive policing during religious events to protect public peace and security.Separately, in Meerut, a car accidentally hit a Kanwariya, damaging his Kanwar, which sparked a mob reaction. Police presence had to be increased to control the situation. The frequent clashes have raised concerns about religious extremism, crowd management, and accountability during mass religious gatherings.