Video shows elderly woman jumping into Ganga, probe ordered

We have taken cognisance of the viral video and ordered the concerned police station to gather information for action

SWATANTRA KUMAR SINGH, superintendent of police

DEHRADUN/HARIDWAR: Haridwar police on Tuesday ordered an investigation after a video showing an elderly woman jumping into the Ganga river at Har Ki Pauri here went viral on the social media.

“We have taken cognisance of the viral video and ordered the concerned police station to gather information for action,” said superintendent of police (city) Swatantra Kumar Singh said.

The police officer said the woman’s identity, age and other details such as when the video was filmed are yet to be ascertained.

In the video, the elderly woman can be seen jumping off a foot over bridge across the Har Ki Pauri. The woman first sneaks through the grill of the bridge and finally dives into the holy river. Thereafter, she comfortably swims across the river despite the fast-flowing water and can be seen approaching the banks.

Meanwhile, the viral video has evoked a mixed reaction on the social. While some have been praising the woman for her fearlessness, and young spirit, others have criticised the act, saying it could have been life-threatening for her and she broke the law.

In Haridwar, people often climb over railings and jump into the Ganga. Many such videos are circulated on the social media.

Superintendent of police Singh said police regularly run awareness campaigns to sanitise and warn people about dangers involved and refrain them from committing similar acts for any purpose.

“If anything like that comes to our notice, we take appropriate action. The same is being done in this case,” said he said.