Haridwar Police Detain Two Men Over Viral Video at Ganga Ghat
Police in Haridwar detained two men on Tuesday after a video showing them in traditional 'sheikh' attire went viral online. The footage captured the individuals roaming around Har Ki Pauri and bathing at a Ganga ghat, causing significant local unrest.
Video Triggers Stir and Demands for Restrictions
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, showing the men moving through Malviya Ghat and nearby areas. This incident renewed calls from local priests and community members to restrict the entry of non-Hindus at all Ganga ghats within the Haridwar Kumbh Mela area.
Priests at the site stopped the men and questioned them about their presence. Initially, the duo identified themselves as Habibullah and Habibi, claiming they were residents of Dubai. However, police detained them a few hours later for further questioning.
True Identities Revealed During Police Interrogation
During police interrogation, the men disclosed their actual identities as Naveen Kumar, aged 22, and Prince, also 22. Both are residents of Sidcul in Haridwar. They confessed to police that they were shooting content for their YouTube channel when the incident occurred.
The two individuals later apologized for hurting religious sentiments through their actions. Police warned them against creating similar videos in the future before releasing them from custody.
Controversial Statements Captured in Viral Footage
In the viral video, one of the men can be heard saying, "They can roam anywhere in India" when a priest asked them to leave the premises. The priest immediately informed members of the Ganga Sabha about the encounter.
Ujjwal Pandit, a member of the Ganga Sabha, confirmed that a search was launched after receiving information about the two men, but they had already left the area by that time. Pandit alleged that the video showed a deliberate attempt to disturb the peaceful atmosphere at Har Ki Pauri.
Growing Demands for Restricted Access at Ganga Ghats
This incident has intensified existing demands from the Ganga Sabha and priest community to declare all Ganga ghats in the Kumbh Mela area as restricted zones for non-Hindus. This includes the prominent Har Ki Pauri location.
The Uttarakhand government is reportedly seriously considering this proposal in response to growing concerns about maintaining religious sanctity at these sacred sites during major religious gatherings.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as discussions about access restrictions gain momentum following this controversial incident.
