Four Nihang pilgrims who attacked with sharp weapons in Karnaprayag are in Chamoli police custody
On June 16, 2026, a dispute arose after a minor altercation between some Nihang pilgrims returning from the Shri Hemkund Sahib Yatra and local traders, Prakash Rawat, son of Rajendra Singh Rawat, resident of Karnaprayag Bazaar*, near the Krishna Palace Hotel in the Karnaprayag Kotwali area.
The altercation escalated to the point where two Nihang pilgrims attacked Prakash Rawat with sharp weapons. Two other Nihang pilgrims also attacked locals who tried to intervene, injuring four locals. One injured person has been airlifted to Dehradun, while the other three are in stable condition.
Upon receiving information about the incident, a police team arrived at the scene and immediately detained the four attackers after which, on the basis of the complaint given by *victim/plaintiff Gajpal Singh*, a case has been registered in Kotwali Karnaprayag under *FIR No.-17/2026, Section 281/125/109/352/351(2) BNS* and strict legal action is being taken against the accused.
After the incident, the National Highway was blocked for some time. After which, considering the seriousness of the matter, *District Magistrate Chamoli Gaurav Kumar* and *Superintendent of Police Chamoli Surjeet Singh Panwar* themselves reached the spot and talked to the local citizens.
Through joint efforts by the administration and police, the National Highway has been reopened for traffic.
Keeping in mind the convenience of travelers and local residents, coordination was established with all districts along the Chardham Yatra route and traffic was temporarily controlled, preventing significant vehicle disruption. The district administration also made adequate arrangements for drinking water and food for stranded travelers.
District Magistrate Chamoli said that the Chardham Yatra is being conducted in a completely peaceful and uninterrupted manner in the district and at present the law and traffic system is completely normal, he appealed to everyone to maintain peace and not pay heed to any kind of rumours. SP Chamoli clearly said that those who indulge in any kind of hooliganism, disturb law and order or play with the safety of the common people in the district will not be spared at any cost.
Chamoli Police will ensure strict and stringent legal action against such anti-social elements. Given the seriousness of the matter, police are maintaining constant surveillance throughout the area and exercising extra vigilance to prevent any untoward incident. The situation is currently under control, and the police administration is taking all necessary steps to maintain peace and law and order.
The Chamoli Police appeals to local citizens and pilgrims not to take the law into their own hands in the event of any dispute, to maintain restraint and patience, and to ignore any rumors. Trust only official information released by the administration and police, and to refrain from spreading unverified information on social media.
During this, Sub-District Magistrate Gairsain Abrar Ahmed, Deputy Superintendent of Police Karnaprayag Trivendra Singh Rana, Tehsildar Karnaprayag Sudha Doval, Inspector in-charge Kotwali Karnaprayag Vinod Thapliyal along with other officers of administration and police were also present on the spot.
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