Daijiworld Media Network - Nainital
Nainital, Jun 14: A major controversy erupted in Uttarakhand's Kainchi Dham on the eve of 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 outrage.
According to the victim's father, the incident occurred when his two daughters were returning from the Kainchi Dham temple. He alleged that the two policemen, who were staying at a nearby homestay, misbehaved with one of the young women.
The father further claimed that both constables were heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.
The allegations sparked anger among local residents, who reportedly caught the accused policemen, assaulted them and took them to a nearby police outpost. A large crowd later gathered at the spot and staged a protest demanding action against the personnel.
Senior police officials rushed to the area after receiving information about the incident.
Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police Manjunath TC described the matter as serious and said strict action had been ordered against the accused constables. He assured that a fair and impartial investigation would be conducted.
According to local reports, medical examinations carried out on the two policemen reportedly confirmed alcohol consumption. Police are now 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 annual Kainchi Dham foundation day fair, which is observed on June 15 and attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country.
Local traders alleged that police had created a "curfew-like" atmosphere in the region by erecting barricades and restricting vehicle movement several days before the event, causing inconvenience to pilgrims, tourists and business owners.
Residents claimed traffic restrictions and roadblocks were imposed three days ahead of the celebrations, a practice they said had not been followed in previous years. They accused the authorities of enforcing regulations arbitrarily and disrupting normal life in the temple town.
The controversy has raised fresh questions over security and crowd-management arrangements ahead of one of Uttarakhand's largest religious gatherings.
With lakhs of devotees expected to visit the renowned Kainchi Dham temple, attention is now focused on the outcome of the police investigation and the administration's response to both the allegations and concerns raised by local residents.