Video of man spitting on food in Uttarakhand restaurant goes viral; case registered

Hindu organisations held demonstrations here on Thursday after a video surfaced online purportedly showing a man spitting on tandoori roti at a local restaurant, with the protesters claiming the act hurt religious sentiments.

Activists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKRAND) gathered in the main market area, closing businesses and raising slogans at Hanuman Chowk.

Several local Hindu merchants joined the protest, demanding accountability and justice. The businesses reopened later in the day due to the upcoming Diwali festival.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Janak Panwar said the police had received complaints on Wednesday night saying an employee at a restaurant near a petrol pump had allegedly spat on food offending the religious sentiments of locals. A purported video of the act surfaced online.

Following this, a case was filed under sections 295(A) (hurting religious sentiments) and 274 (food adulteration) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Panwar added that the Food Safety Department has initiated the process of cancelling the restaurant's licence based on the police report.

Ishtiaq Ahmed, president of the Minority Seva Samiti, condemned the incident as a "shameful act" and called for a social boycott of those responsible. He urged a peaceful resolution, stressing the importance of maintaining social harmony.

In an effort to prevent further unrest, the police and local administration held a meeting with Hindu organisations and traders to ensure law and order in the city.