NEW DELHI: In a viral video that has sparked outrage on social media, a man is seen confronting and attempting to drive away a group of individuals from the Maharaja Agrasen Ghat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, based on their religious affiliation.
The incident has raised concerns about religious bias and discrimination in the holy city.
The police have since questioned the youth, identified as Ashish Gaur, and determined that no charges can be pressed against him.
In India, even Rivers have now religion – In Haridwar, a Muslim family is being driven away from going to the Ganges River, saying “Only Hindus are allowed here” pic.twitter.com/jEJBeYKxYt
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) June 19, 2023
Senior Superintendent of Police, Haridwar, Ajay Kumar, stated, “In view of the statement of the youth, no charges can be made against him, and hence no legal action is being taken in the matter.”
According to Gaur’s account to the police, he visited Agrasen Ghat with his family on June 16 and allegedly interrupted a group of boys and girls engaging in objectionable actions.
Gaur claimed that these individuals frequently visit the ghat to film women who take a dip in the Ganga, and it was after repeated incidents of this nature that he asked them to leave the premises.
The video shared widely on social media platforms, has triggered a range of reactions, with some justifying the youth’s actions while others vehemently denouncing the religious bias evident in the incident.
In the footage, the man is heard shouting, “Bahar, gate k bahar”, as he orders the individuals to leave the ghat, citing that only Hindus are permitted to visit the Ganga Ghats.
Responding to the incident, Satpal Brahmachari, former chairman of the then-Haridwar Municipality, clarified that while there are restrictions on non-Hindus entering the Har Ki Pauri area, no such prohibition exists at the Maharaja Agrasen Ghat, which falls under Jwalapur Kotwali.
The video’s circulation on social media has prompted authorities to take notice, with the police launching an investigation into the matter. Circle Officer Juhi Manral ordered a probe due to the sensitive nature of the video, which involves religious sentiments and concerns specific communities.