Dehradun: A case has been registered against unidentified persons for allegedly damaging public property at the Kedarnath shrine on Friday. Police said the case was registered under Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act on a complaint lodged by the supervisor of a privately run public toilet facility.
CO Rudraprayag Vikas Pundir said the complaint alleged that the accused damaged 12 taps and 60 toilet cisterns. “Apart from this, at least five doors were also damaged. The act has not only damaged public property but also caused inconvenience to devotees during the yatra. The damage was reported mainly at facilities located in the Haat Bazar, PWD office and Punjab-Sindh Bhavan areas within the shrine premises,” said Pundir.
He said police have launched a probe. “Strict action will be taken against those responsible. We will not allow anyone to disturb the sanctity of the yatra. We appeal to people to cooperate with the police in managing the yatra without indulging in such acts,” he added.
The Kedarnath shrine, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts thousands of pilgrims every year during the Char Dham Yatra. The damage to essential facilities like toilets and taps has raised concerns about the maintenance of infrastructure at the shrine. Local authorities have urged devotees to report any suspicious activities and help maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage site. The police are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning witnesses to identify the culprits. Further investigations are ongoing.
