JAMMU, JULY 19: Police have detained two persons, including a juvenile, in connection with an alleged obscene and inappropriate act near the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district, officials said on Sunday.
The action followed the circulation of a video on social media which purportedly showed two couples engaging in objectionable conduct near the Bhawan market area. The video drew widespread public attention and prompted police intervention.
According to a police spokesperson, Police Station Bhawan received information on July 17 about two boys and two girls allegedly indulging in inappropriate behaviour near the shrine area, causing inconvenience to pilgrims and hurting religious sentiments.
Taking cognisance of the incident, police registered an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend those involved.
During the course of the investigation, a special police team detained two accused persons, identified as Pritam Singh, a resident of Talwara, and a juvenile.
The juvenile was subsequently handed over to his family after completion of the required legal formalities in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, the spokesperson said.
Police said efforts are continuing to trace the remaining persons allegedly involved in the incident.
The spokesperson reiterated that the police remain committed to maintaining public order and preserving the sanctity and peaceful environment of religious places, particularly those visited by large numbers of pilgrims.
Authorities also warned that strict legal action would be taken against any individual found disturbing public peace, causing inconvenience to devotees or engaging in conduct that hurts religious sentiments.
The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is one of the country’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, attracting lakhs of devotees every year. Given the religious significance and heavy pilgrim movement in the area, police said maintaining discipline and decorum around the shrine remains a priority.
The investigation is continuing, while police teams are working to identify and trace the other persons seen in the viral video.