Kedarnath: Tensions flared at Kedarnath Temple on Wednesday as a dispute over VIP darshan led to a scuffle between pilgrims and police personnel. The incident escalated when Akshit Negi, an employee of a chartered helicopter company, accused the police of assaulting him.
A video of the altercation has gone viral on social media, prompting Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde to order an immediate investigation.
केदारनाथ धाम में फिर हंगामा!
VIP दर्शनों को लेकर श्रद्धालुओं में विवाद
हेली कर्मचारी और पुलिसकर्मी में तीखी नोकझोंक
केदारनाथ में VIP दर्शन के नाम पर हो रही ऐसी घटनाएं
ऐसी घटनाओं पर कब लगेगी रोक ?@UttrakhandPoli2 #uttrakhand #Kedarnathdham #news #BreakingNewsSCMx pic.twitter.com/NMHkfxEva5— Journalist Deepika singh (@Deepikasingh043) May 29, 2025
VIP darshan dispute turns violent
The controversy surrounding VIP darshan at Kedarnath has been brewing for some time, with many pilgrims expressing frustration over preferential treatment given to select visitors. On Wednesday, some devotees clashed with police personnel stationed at the temple premises, demanding equal access to darshan.
In the viral video, Negi alleges that police officers physically assaulted him, dragged him to the police post, and continued to behave indecently. Tirthpurohit Santosh Trivedi, a temple priest, condemned the incident, accusing the police of autocratic behavior and stating that the youth was beaten severely.
Police investigation underway
Following the uproar, Rudraprayag SP Konde directed disciplinary action against the officers involved in the scuffle. He confirmed that both parties sustained injuries, and an investigation has been launched based on reports from CO Kedarnath. Authorities are now examining CCTV footage from the temple premises to determine the sequence of events. The police have assured that appropriate action will be taken once the investigation is complete.
Animal cruelty case in Chopta
Meanwhile, another disturbing incident unfolded in Chopta, the base camp of Tungnath, where villagers clashed over horse and mule operations. Reports indicate that horses and mules were beaten with sticks, leaving one animal severely injured. The dispute stems from territorial rights over horse and mule operations in the Chopta-Dugalbitta area. Villagers from Makku and Ushara Panchayats have filed written complaints against each other, accusing rival groups of violence and obstruction.
Outgoing Gram Pradhan Kunwar Singh Bajwal claims that Chopta falls under their jurisdiction, and their horse-mule operators were authorized by the Forest Department. However, Dilwar Singh Negi, President of Chopta Horse-Mule Union, argues that Ushara villagers were not part of the official meeting held in April, and their entry into Chopta is disrupting operations.
Police action & next steps
Police post in-charge Satish Shah confirmed that complaints have been filed by both parties, and an investigation is underway. Authorities will review evidence before taking further action. With multiple disputes unfolding in Kedarnath and Chopta, officials are working to restore order and ensure pilgrims and local communities can continue their activities without disruption. The outcome of the investigations will determine future regulations for VIP darshan and animal welfare in the region.
