In the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, security has been heightened across the region, including sensitive pilgrimage areas in Uttarakhand. On Tuesday morning, the police launched an extensive verification drive in the religious town of Piran Kaliyar, detaining 41 individuals who were residing in the area without mandatory police verification.
The operation was led by SP Rural Shekhar Chandra Suyal, along with CO Mangalore Vivek Kumar, CO Laksar Natasha Singh, and teams from PAC and the local police. The campaign began at around 5 AM and focused primarily on the area surrounding the revered dargah, which attracts large crowds throughout the year.
During the operation, police checked identification documents and thoroughly searched the belongings of outsiders staying in the area. According to officials, the 41 individuals detained had been living in Kaliyar for a considerable period without completing police verification—a legal requirement for tenants and long-term visitors. All suspects were taken to Roshanabad Police Lines for detailed questioning and background checks.
In addition to detaining the suspects, police also conducted surprise inspections at local hotels and guest houses. Establishments found guilty of giving rooms to guests without proper ID verification or maintaining incomplete guest records were penalized. A total of 11 hotel owners were fined ₹90,000. Police also issued strict warnings stating that any recurrence of such violations would lead to formal cases being registered.
The crackdown didn’t end there. Authorities also took action against unregistered vendors and scrap dealers in the area. A total of 40 individuals running street stalls or dealing in scrap were fined ₹8,000 under the Police Act.
“Given the recent terror incident in Pahalgam and the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, security protocols have been intensified across the district,” said SP Rural Shekhar Chandra Suyal. “This large-scale verification drive in Kaliyar is part of our strategy to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of devotees and residents alike. Such drives will continue in the coming days. All police units and intelligence agencies have been put on alert.”
At the Roshanabad Police Lines, the detained individuals were subjected to rigorous questioning. Police recorded their names, addresses, and mobile numbers in official registers and warned them of legal consequences if found residing in the area again without verification.
The police action created a visible stir in the dargah area, especially among outsiders. Many appeared unsettled by the sudden crackdown, and local authorities hope this sends a clear message about the importance of proper documentation and verification.
With the Char Dham pilgrimage season in full swing and heightened national security concerns, the Uttarakhand police remain vigilant. More such operations are expected in other sensitive zones in the days ahead to prevent any potential threats and to maintain public safety.
