Matribhumi Samachar English
Dehradun. Friday, 24 April 2026
The Rudraprayag Police and Uttarakhand district administration have taken decisive legal action to combat the spread of misinformation surrounding the 2026 Char Dham Yatra. Following 24/7 social media surveillance, authorities have registered three FIRs at Kotwali Sonprayag against individuals circulating misleading videos and reels about the Kedarnath Temple pilgrimage.
The Incident: Misleading Claims vs. Ground Reality
The police social media monitoring cell identified several viral posts alleging severe mismanagement at the Kedarnath shrine. These “fake” videos claimed that:
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Devotees were being denied darshan without valid reasons.
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Pilgrims were forced to wait in queues for over 15 hours without basic facilities.
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There was a complete lack of police presence and chaotic crowd control.
Official Clarification:
Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police, Niharika Tomar, stated that these claims are entirely baseless. The yatra is proceeding in a systematic, phased, and regulated manner. While record numbers of pilgrims have arrived since the temple opened on April 22, 2026, the administration has ensured smooth movement through slot-based entry and enhanced on-ground assistance.
Action Taken & New Directives
The police have initiated strict action under Sections 353(1)(b) and 353(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the accused.
| Measure | Detail |
| Legal Action | 3 FIRs registered; 4-5 additional suspicious videos are currently under investigation. |
| Mobile Ban | Mobile phones, drones, and videography are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises to maintain sanctity. |
| Surveillance | Round-the-clock monitoring of social media platforms to prevent rumors and propaganda. |
| Safety First | Medical screening points are active at Gaurikund and Rishikesh for all pilgrims. |
Guidelines for Pilgrims
Authorities have urged devotees to ignore unverified content and follow only official sources for updates.
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Official Registration: Always carry a confirmed Yatra Registration Letter or QR code.
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Official News: Check the official Uttarakhand Tourism portal for real-time weather and crowd updates.
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Sanctity of the Dham: Avoid making reels or taking photos within the temple courtyard; use the provided locker systems for mobile phones.
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