Scuffle between Locals and Pilgrims on Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway; Three Arrested

Srinagar, Correspondent

A scuffle broke out between a local resident and some pilgrims on Thursday evening near Banswara on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway following a collision between a car and a bike. The verbal exchange quickly escalated into a physical fight. A complaint was filed at Kotwali Srinagar by the injured local, Uttam Bhandari, against unidentified persons.

Taking note of the incident, police arrested three pilgrims along with two motorcycles. According to reports, Uttam Bhandari, a former student union president of Garhwal Central University and a resident of Madhi Chauras, was driving his Swift car from Chauras to Srinagar. Due to traffic congestion near Banswara, he applied brakes, and a bike coming from behind hit his car.

Bhandari stated that he calmly advised the bikers to drive carefully, but the bikers became aggressive and allegedly attacked him with helmets and sticks. In his complaint, Bhandari said he sustained facial injuries. Locals also expressed anger at increasing unruly behavior by some pilgrims in the city and demanded strict action.

Kotwali Srinagar SHO Jaipal Singh Negi confirmed that based on the complaint, three pilgrims returning from the Kedarnath Yatra — residents of Sonipat, Haryana — have been arrested. Two motorcycles were also seized at the scene. The arrested individuals will be presented before the court on Friday.