Haridwar, currently bustling with pilgrims for the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, authorities are witnessing not just an influx of devotees but also individuals attempting to game the system for personal advantage.
A recent incident in the Char Dham Yatra route highlighted this troubling trend when police intercepted a black Scorpio SUV with blaring sirens near Shyampur police station, exposing a brazen attempt to misuse political symbols for undue privileges.
On a busy Sunday afternoon near Chandi Ghat in Haridwar, police officers conducting routine checks as part of ‘Operation Lagam’ spotted a black Scorpio (UP50DA0801) racing down the road with sirens wailing. What immediately drew their attention wasn’t just the vehicle’s speed but its ostentatious display of authority symbols – “MLA” and “Block Pramukh” stickers prominently affixed to the vehicle, windows covered with illegal dark tint, and a BJP party flag proudly mounted on the bonnet.
When officers signaled the vehicle to stop, they found several young men inside who appeared reluctant to comply with police instructions. The ensuing conversation revealed the audacious nature of their deception and the lengths to which some travelers will go to secure preferential treatment on congested pilgrimage routes.
As police questioned the occupants about the vehicle’s modifications and political insignia, one young man confidently declared, “Vidhayak uncle hai humare” (My uncle is an MLA). This claim was clearly intended to intimidate the officers and avoid scrutiny. However, the Police remained unfazed by these claims of political connections. They took swift action to address the situation and followed standard protocol for such violations.
The officers immediately took action, methodically removing the illegal modifications from the vehicle. The black film was stripped from the windows, the unauthorized hooter was dismantled, and the political stickers were removed. The vehicle was seized, and a challan (traffic ticket) was issued for multiple violations of traffic regulations.
This enforcement action is part of a broader initiative called ‘Operation Lagam’ launched by Uttarakhand Police to ensure traffic discipline during the busy Char Dham Yatra season and in preparation for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra scheduled to begin on July 11, 2025. The operation aims to curb traffic violations, reckless driving, and the misuse of VIP symbols that have become increasingly common during the Char Dham Yatra season.
‘Operation Lagam’ was initiated in response to a concerning rise in road rage incidents and traffic violations across Uttarakhand, particularly during the tourist and Char Dham Yatra seasons. Inspector General (IG) of Garhwal, Rajeev Swaroop, announced the operation with a clear mandate to identify and take action against those disrupting public order on the roads.
The operation has already shown impressive results. In Dehradun alone, police issued 587 challans in just one week, collecting fines totaling Rs. 1,67,640. Additionally, 163 cases were sent to court, and 67 individuals were arrested under the Police Act for various offenses.
The crackdown targets a range of violations, including:
- Unauthorized use of sirens and hooters
- Illegal window tinting
- Misuse of political symbols and VIP markers
- Public alcohol consumption
- Illegal transportation of liquor
- Rash driving and stunt performances
- Modified vehicle silencers
This incident occurs against the backdrop of the Char Dham Yatra that began on April 30, 2025 this year. The Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees who visit the four sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand.
This year’s Char Dham Yatra has seen a particularly heavy influx of pilgrims, with authorities establishing 20 counters in Haridwar for offline registration to manage the crowds. The pilgrimage route spans approximately 1,607 kilometers through the mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand, making traffic management a significant challenge for local authorities.
As the Char Dham Yatra continues, authorities are also preparing for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 11, 2025, and reach its peak on Sawan Shivratri on July 23. This annual pilgrimage sees millions of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, collecting water from the Ganges in Haridwar to offer at Shiva temples in their hometowns.
District Magistrate of Haridwar Mayur Dixit, has issued strict directives for transparent and time-bound preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, emphasizing zero tolerance for corruption or negligence. The administration has identified holding areas in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Vyasi, Srinagar, and Rudraprayag to manage crowds in case of extreme congestion, landslides, or inclement weather.
This incident highlights the persistent problem of VIP culture in India where symbols of political power are often misused for personal gain. Despite government efforts to curb this culture, including the 2017 ban on red beacons on official vehicles, the misuse of political symbols and VIP markers continues.
The Uttarakhand government and Jim Corbett National Park authorities have taken a strong stance against this culture, with the latter refusing to entertain references from VIPs requesting special treatment. This aligns with constitutional principles of equality and the Supreme Court’s orders against VIP culture.
What began as an attempt to secure VIP treatment ended with a humbling lesson in civic responsibility. The young men’s claims of political connections quickly crumbled under police scrutiny, revealing the truth behind their charade.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder that in the eyes of the law, everyone is equal, regardless of real or pretended political connections. As Uttarakhand continues to welcome pilgrims for the sacred journeys to Char Dham and Kanwar Yatra, authorities remain committed to ensuring that traffic rules are followed by all, creating a safer and more equitable experience for genuine devotees.
Through initiatives like Operation Lagam, Uttarakhand is sending a clear message: the days of flaunting fake VIP status to bypass rules are numbered, and the law will be applied equally to all who travel its sacred roads.
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