In a disturbing scene at Har Ki Pauri, one of Haridwar’s holiest pilgrimage sites, three women were caught on camera fighting and abusing each other, causing panic among devotees and onlookers. The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon and the video quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions from the public.
Our correspondent reports that the altercation occurred when the three women, who reportedly earn their livelihood by offering tilak and other small services to visiting pilgrims, began quarrelling over territory and customer sharing. What began as a verbal spat soon escalated into a physical fight, with the women slapping, pulling hair, and shouting at each other. Several pilgrims standing nearby were left shocked as the scuffle unfolded in the middle of the crowded ghat.
Witnesses said the argument erupted around 2 pm near the bathing steps of Har Ki Pauri. A passerby recorded the entire incident on his phone, and within hours, the footage was circulating widely on social media platforms. Many users expressed disappointment, saying that such behaviour at a sacred site tarnishes Haridwar’s spiritual image.
Our correspondent adds that as soon as the police received information about the video, officers from the Har Ki Pauri police chowki reached the spot and identified the women involved. All three were detained for questioning and later fined under Section 81 of the Police Act for disturbing public peace. They were issued strict warnings against repeating such behaviour in the future.
Deputy Station Officer Sanjeet Kandari confirmed that all three women are local residents who frequently operate around the ghat. He stated, “The women were let off after a warning. We have made it clear that any repeat offence will attract stricter legal action. Maintaining sanctity at pilgrimage sites is a shared responsibility.”
The police said they are enhancing patrols and monitoring at Har Ki Pauri, especially during peak pilgrimage hours. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being reviewed to ensure that no other individuals were involved in instigating the clash. The administration has also directed that additional female constables be deployed in the area to prevent further disputes.
Local residents and shopkeepers said such fights occasionally occur between small vendors competing for customers, but it is rare for them to turn violent. They expressed concern that the incident could create a negative impression of the holy city among tourists and devotees.
Officials from the district administration have instructed ghat committees and local associations to help maintain order and assist law enforcement. They emphasised that the Har Ki Pauri area, which draws thousands of devotees daily, must remain disciplined and peaceful to preserve its religious significance.
The viral video has reignited public debate over crowd control and informal commercial activity around major pilgrimage centres. Civic groups have called for a clear code of conduct and licensing system for vendors to prevent territorial disputes and ensure better management.
Police have also appealed to citizens to report any incidents of nuisance or conflict at the ghats. They assured that prompt action will be taken to maintain peace and safeguard visitors’ spiritual experience.
The Har Ki Pauri incident serves as a reminder of the importance of civic discipline and respectful behaviour at religious places. Authorities reiterated that faith and order must coexist to protect the sanctity of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand’s heritage.
