Four Arrested for Selling Non-Vegetarian Food During Kanwar Yatra in Bareilly

In a recent crackdown, the Uttar Pradesh Police apprehended four individuals for allegedly selling non-vegetarian food along designated routes for the ongoing Kanwar Yatra in Bareilly district. This action, reported by PTI, follows strict guidelines issued to local traders who are prohibited from selling such food items during the auspicious month of Sawan, which commenced on July 30 and will conclude on August 28.

The enforcement came into play after officials were tipped off about the sale of chicken biryani at a shop located in the Bahedi area. Acting swiftly on the information, police raided the establishment and took two shopkeepers, identified as Salman and Raees, into custody. Following the raid, authorities demolished the tin shed and counter of the shop, as confirmed by Bahedi Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh.

Authorities also targeted another establishment near a bakery, resulting in the detention of two additional individuals. Singh emphasized that traders had previously been informed of the restrictions meant to uphold the sanctity of the Kanwar Yatra. He reiterated that any further infractions would invoke legal measures to ensure compliance.

The Kanwar Yatra is a significant pilgrimage for many Hindus, where devotees, known as kanwariyas, embark on long journeys to collect holy water from the Ganges River in Haridwar. This water is then brought back to their home states to offer at local shrines, making the pilgrimage a deeply revered practice. The sale of non-vegetarian food along these routes is seen as disrespectful during this sacred period, prompting local authorities to enforce strict regulations.

This incident reflects a broader trend in Uttar Pradesh, where local administrations have been vigilant in ensuring that cultural and religious sentiments are honored during significant festivals. The police’s swift action serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to regulate food sales along pilgrimage routes, aiming to maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere for devotees undertaking this spiritual journey.

Source: scroll.in