A major controversy erupted in Uttarakhand's Kainchi Dham just a day before the temple's annual foundation day celebrations after two police constables deployed on fair duty were accused of molesting the daughter of a local homestay operator. The allegations sparked widespread outrage among residents, led to protests against the police, and added to existing tensions over security arrangements in the area ahead of one of the state's largest religious gatherings.
According to the girl's father, the incident took place when his daughter and her sister were returning from the temple. He alleged that the two constables, who were staying at a nearby homestay while deployed for fair duty, misbehaved with his daughter. The father further claimed that both policemen were heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident and were not in a condition befitting law enforcement personnel entrusted with maintaining security during a major religious event.
The allegations quickly spread throughout the locality, triggering anger among residents. According to local accounts, members of the public allegedly apprehended the two constables, assaulted them, and brought them to a nearby police outpost. As news of the incident spread, a large crowd gathered at the location and staged protests demanding immediate action against the accused officers.
The growing unrest prompted senior police officials to rush to the scene. Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police Manjunath TC acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and assured the public that strict action would be taken if the accusations were found to be true. He stated that an impartial and transparent investigation had been ordered and that no attempt would be made to shield the accused personnel.
According to local reports, medical examinations conducted on the two constables reportedly confirmed alcohol consumption. Following these findings, police began preparing to register a criminal case against the accused personnel. Authorities are expected to proceed with legal action based on the outcome of the investigation, witness statements, and other evidence collected during the probe.
The controversy has intensified resentment among local residents, traders, and business owners who were already unhappy with the extensive security measures imposed ahead of the annual Kainchi Dham foundation day fair. The event, observed every year on June 15, attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and requires significant administrative preparations to manage crowds and maintain security.
Local traders accused the police of creating what they described as a "curfew-like" atmosphere in the region. They claimed that barricades had been installed across large parts of the Kainchi Dham area and that vehicle movement had been restricted well before the start of the event. According to them, these measures caused inconvenience not only to pilgrims and tourists but also to local businesses that depend heavily on visitor traffic during the festival season.
Residents further alleged that traffic restrictions and roadblocks had been imposed nearly three days before the event, which they said was unprecedented. Many claimed that such extensive controls had never been implemented so far in advance in previous years. They accused authorities of enforcing regulations arbitrarily and disrupting the normal functioning of the town.
The incident has therefore become more than just a criminal allegation against two police personnel. It has also highlighted the growing friction between local communities and law enforcement authorities over the manner in which security and crowd-management measures are being implemented ahead of the major religious gathering.
With lakhs of devotees expected to visit Kainchi Dham for the foundation day celebrations, the controversy has raised concerns about public confidence in the security arrangements. The allegations against the constables, coupled with local dissatisfaction over restrictions, have placed additional pressure on the administration to restore trust and maintain order during the event.
Authorities have appealed for calm and urged residents to allow the investigation to proceed without interference. Meanwhile, attention remains focused on the outcome of the inquiry, the legal action that may follow against the accused personnel, and the administration's response to the concerns raised by local residents and traders. As the foundation day celebrations approach, officials are working to ensure that the controversy does not overshadow the religious event or affect the safety and convenience of the large number of devotees expected to attend.
