DEHRADUN: Tensions flared in the temple town of Uttarkashi, nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand, after a video purportedly showing a cook spitting into tandoori rotis at a restaurant went viral on social media platforms on Thursday.
The circulation of the video immediately triggered widespread protests across the town, known locally as the gateway to Baba Vishwanath's shrine. Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, along with activists from the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), swiftly organised demonstrations. They reportedly enforced a temporary shutdown of commercial establishments in the main market area before converging at Hanuman Chowk.
However, the demonstrations were called off after a short period, with traders agreeing to reopen their shops in light of the upcoming Diwali festival. The restaurant at the center of the controversy remains closed.
The Uttarkashi district police have confirmed swift action following the public outcry. Sarita Dobhal, Superintendent of Police for Uttarkashi, told TNIE, "The accused, Adnan, son of Aaqil, has been arrested. A case has been registered against the accused under sections 63/2025, 196 (1)(B), and 274 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)."
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Janak Singh Panwar, appealed to the public to remain calm. "The police are investigating the restaurant matter thoroughly," DSP Panwar said. "We are also preparing a recommendation to the authorities for the cancellation of the restaurant's operating license."
The incident gained added notoriety as the affected restaurant is situated alarmingly close to a local police outpost. "We demand accountability," said a local trader requesting anonymity while reopening his store. "Such acts targeting food sanctity cannot be tolerated, especially in a sacred area like Uttarkashi."