Karnaprayag Clash Investigation Transferred Haridwar Sikh Pilgrims

Days after several Nihang Sikh pilgrims returning from the Hemkund Sahib shrine in Uttarakhand were arrested for allegedly attacking residents with weapons in the Karnaprayag market area, the state government said on Monday that it has transferred the investigation in two cases from Chamoli to Haridwar district “to ensure an impartial inquiry”.

In a post on X on Monday evening, the Uttarakhand government stated that the probe into the case registered against the Sikh devotees at Karnaprayag police station on June 16 and the June 20 First Information Report (FIR) filed by the father of an injured Sikh pilgrim against locals will now be overseen by Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar in Haridwar.

The cases were filed over an incident that occurred on June 16, following a verbal altercation between some Nihang Sikhs and local traders in the Karnaprayag market over parking. The dispute escalated when four pilgrims allegedly attacked a local and other residents who intervened, using weapons. Four people were injured in the incident. Initially, the police had only taken action against the Sikh pilgrims.

Officials said the decision to transfer the probe followed recommendations from Rajeev Swaroop, Inspector General of Police, Garhwal Range, to guarantee a fair, transparent, and independent investigation. “The Uttarakhand Police fully respects the religious sentiments of all communities and is committed to impartial, transparent, and just action in accordance with the law in every case,” Swaroop said, adding that the Hemkund Sahib Yatra is a “sacred pilgrimage” whose safety and orderly conduct were a top priority for the police.

Deputy Inspector General Yashwant Singh has been tasked to investigate complaints by several Sikh organisations alleging inappropriate conduct by local police during the incident. He has been asked to submit a report within two weeks.

The Uttarakhand administration had earlier sought a status report from senior officials and emphasised that the matter should not be framed as a communal dispute.

The development comes days after an Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) delegation—including Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh, Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, and Tarsem Singh, the father of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh—travelled to Uttarakhand on June 21 and met Uttarakhand Director General of Police Deepak Seth.

Leader Rashpal Singh Sosan, who was part of the delegation, welcomed the decision to transfer the probe and said police assurances that an FIR would be registered were encouraging. “It’s a welcome step. We hope that action will be taken against those who attacked Sikh devotees,” he added.