Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Men in Arab-Style Robes at Haridwar Ghat Spark Police Probe
Two young men dressed in traditional Gulf robes were seen walking around a sacred ghat in Haridwar, India.
They said they were making videos for YouTube.
Some people got upset because there's a debate about who should be allowed at these holy places.
The police arrested them but later let them go after they apologized.
The men couldn't be found when the priests first called the police.
Some people think the video was made to cause trouble.
There's also a discussion about whether non-Hindus should be allowed at these ghats during a big festival called Kumbh Mela.
Two men in Arab-style robes were seen at Har Ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar, causing controversy.
The men identified themselves as Habibullah and Habibi from Dubai, but were later revealed to be Naveen Kumar and Prince from Sidcul, Haridwar.
Priests alerted the Ganga Sabha, which informed the police, but the men had left by the time authorities arrived initially.
The men were later arrested, apologized for hurting religious sentiments, and were released with a warning not to make such videos again.
The incident occurred amid debates about restricting non-Hindus from Ganga ghats during the Kumbh Mela.
- Who
- Two men identified as Naveen Kumar and Prince, residents of Sidcul, Haridwar
- What
- Men in Arab-style robes walking around Har Ki Pauri ghat, sparking controversy
- When
- January 13, 2026
- Where
- Har Ki Pauri ghat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
- Why
- To create content for their YouTube channel as social media influencers
Ganga Sabha and Priest Community
Men in Arab-Style Robes
Restriction of Non-Hindus
Ganga Sabha and Priest Community
Demand that all Ganga ghats in the Kumbh Mela area be declared non-Hindu restricted zones.
Men in Arab-Style Robes
Believe they have the right to roam anywhere in India.
- Location
- Har Ki Pauri ghat, Haridwar
- Date
- January 13, 2026
- Identities
- Naveen Kumar and Prince (22 years old, residents of Sidcul, Haridwar)
- Occupation
- Self-proclaimed social media influencers
- Platform
- YouTube
- Investigating Body
- Uttarakhand Police
- Key Organization
- Ganga Sabha
- Controversial Demand
- Restrict non-Hindus from Ganga ghats in Kumbh Mela area
Sources
Viral Video Of Men In Arab-Style Robes At Haridwar Ghat Draws Police Attention
Uttarakhand: Two held for roaming around at Har Ki Pauri in ‘sheikh’ attire
Uttarakhand: Two held for roaming around at Har Ki Pauri in 'sheikh' attire