- विज्ञापन -
Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh): In a strict effort to maintain discipline during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, 27 police personnel in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur District have been suspended for remaining absent without permission during their assigned duties for the pilgrimage.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ashish Tiwari ordered the immediate suspension, citing serious indiscipline and negligence during a period considered crucial for ensuring public safety.
The suspended officers include a Sub-Inspector, ten Head Constables—three of whom are women—and three attendants. Their absence from active duty during the busy Yatra season prompted prompt administrative measures. SSP Tiwari has been personally conducting late-night inspections and patrols along key Kanwar routes to oversee arrangements and ensure smooth operations.
He also visited Route No. 02 of the Kanwar Yatra, which runs from Bhagwanpur to Fatehpur Chhutmalpur Kalsia Behat Mirzapur—a route that typically witnesses fewer pilgrims—and issued directives to the officers on duty. Tiwari emphasized that any laxity or negligence in duty would not be tolerated, especially when police presence is critical for maintaining order and public safety during this large-scale religious event.
The Kanwar Yatra, which takes place over a month during the Shravan month, attracts millions of Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) traveling to sacred sites such as Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri, and Sultanganj’s Ajgaibinath Temple to collect holy water from the Ganga. To manage the crowd and enhance security, UP Police has increased deployments, including 587 gazetted officers, over 13,500 Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors, as well as thousands of constables and women officers. Additional arrangements include 50 units of Central Police Force and PAC, along with 1,424 Home Guards. 24/7 patrolling and active mobilization of UP-112 vehicles are also part of security protocols.
Authorities have issued safety guidelines for the pilgrims, such as walking on the left side of highways and establishing camps at a safe distance from roads. Strict warnings against overspeeding and reckless driving have been issued, with special attention to the safety of women Kanwariyas. Measures are also in place to monitor food quality, prevent overcharging at hotels and dhabas, and ensure public health and fairness along the route.
