PIL in Uttarakhand HC Seeks Evidence Preservation in Kharge Venue Purification Row

A public interest litigation has been filed in the Uttarakhand High Court over an alleged 'purification' ritual at Haldwani's Ramlila Ground following a Congress meeting led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking preservation of evidence. Social activist Baijnath filed the PIL, requesting the court to preserve all electronic and documentary evidence, including video recordings and CCTV footage, related to the incident. He argues the ritual could trigger social unrest and has also sought information under the RTI Act. The controversy stems from a right-wing group's 'shuddhikaran' ritual at the venue after Kharge's August 8 meeting. Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, condemned the act as reflecting an anti-Dalit mindset, though a complaint was registered against Gandhi over his statements.