A major controversy erupted in Uttarakhand’s Kainchi Dham a day before the temple’s annual foundation day celebrations after two police constables deployed on fair duty were accused of molesting a local homestay manager’s daughter, triggering protests and public anger against the police.
According to the girl’s father, the incident occurred when his daughter and her sister were returning from the temple. He alleged that the two policemen, who were staying at a nearby homestay, misbehaved with the young woman. The father further claimed that both constables were heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.
The allegations sparked outrage among local residents, who allegedly caught the two policemen, assaulted them and took them to a nearby police outpost, where a large crowd gathered and staged a protest.
Senior police officials rushed to the spot after being informed about the incident. Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manjunath TC confirmed the episode and described the matter as serious. He said strict action had been ordered against the accused personnel and assured a fair and impartial investigation.
According to local reports, medical examinations conducted on the two constables reportedly confirmed alcohol consumption. Police are preparing to register a criminal case against the accused personnel.
The incident has also intensified resentment among local traders and residents over security arrangements ahead of the Kainchi Dham foundation day fair, which is observed annually on June 15 and attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country.
Local traders accused the police of creating a “curfew-like” atmosphere in the area days before the event. They claimed that barricades had been erected across the Kainchi Dham region and vehicle movement restricted well in advance, causing inconvenience to pilgrims, tourists and business owners.
Residents alleged that traffic restrictions and roadblocks had been imposed three days before the event, something they said had never happened in previous years. They accused the police of enforcing rules arbitrarily and disrupting normal life in the temple town.
The controversy has raised questions over security and crowd-management arrangements ahead of one of Uttarakhand’s biggest religious gatherings. With lakhs of devotees expected to visit the globally renowned Kainchi Dham temple, the incident has further strained ties between the local community and the police, with attention now focused on the outcome of the investigation and the administration’s response.
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Published By:
Priyanka Kumari
Published On:
Jun 14, 2026 09:59 IST
