Uttarakhand sent at least 3,000 kanwariyas back from Haridwar: Police

The Kanwariyas were asked to return from the border checkposts of Haridwar district with neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. At least 300 Kanwariyas were made to go back from Haridwar railway station where they had reached to fetch Ganga water as per the rituals

Uttarakhand police said they have sent back at least 3,000 kanwariyas from Haridwar amid ban on the pilgrimage due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

State police headquarters in Dehradun. (HT Photo)

The kanwariyas were asked to return from the border checkposts of Haridwar district with neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. At least 300 kanwariyas were made to go back from Haridwar railway station where they had reached to fetch Ganga water as per the rituals.

Deputy inspector general Nilesh Anand Bharne said, “Haridwar district police turned back 3,635 kanwariyas from Haridwar borders where they had reached by 1,174 two-wheelers, 3,473 small vehicles and 136 big vehicles till July 27.”

“Apart from this, 316 kanwariyas who reached Haridwar by train were also returned to their destinations in shuttle buses from Haridwar railway station,” said Bharne.

“We have arranged tankers with Ganga water for the pilgrims of other states at Haridwar border so that they need not enter the holy city for it. Despite that, if anyone is caught inside the city, then he would be put in quarantine for 14 days and those caught at the border would be made to go back in their own vehicle or the shuttle buses arranged by police,” said Bharne.

Meanwhile, the state police has also decided to start a month-long special drive to nab wanted criminals in the state, including those from other states hiding here. The drive will begin from August 1.

Director general of police Ashok Kumar said, “There are total 545 wanted criminals in the state, as per the police records. Of those, 150 have a reward on their head, which includes about 100 from other states hiding in Uttarakhand.”