Four detained for selling non-veg food on routes for Kanwariyas, shop razed in Bareilly

Police have apprehended four individuals following raids on two establishments allegedly peddling non-vegetarian cuisine along a designated Kanwar pilgrimage route in Bareilly, officials disclosed on Sunday (August 9, 2026). This action stems from amplified police and administrative monitoring of Kanwar pathways during the current Sawan month.

Authorities have cautioned merchants against selling meat, chicken, fish, and other non-vegetarian items along designated routes during the pilgrimage, threatening legal repercussions for infractions. The initial incident arose on Saturday (August 8, 2026) evening when authorities were tipped off that chicken biryani was being sold at a shop close to the old Roadways bus stand in Bahedi.

Despite a prior admonition, the shop persisted in operation, leading to the apprehension of the proprietors, Salman from Lodhipur and Raees. Subsequently, a JCB was deployed to the location and the shop's tin structure and counter were carted away, as per Bahedi Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh. Following this, police stormed another shop situated near the bakery zone and detained two more individuals.

The traders had been previously cautioned against selling non-vegetarian fare during the Kanwar pilgrimage but allegedly defied the directive and continued to operate. Authorities have ramped up surveillance along the Bareilly-Bahedi route and other significant Kanwar routes to curb the sale of meat, chicken, and fish in restricted or designated zones.

Singh added that directives concerning the sale of non-vegetarian food along major routes during Sawan had already been issued, with further violations facing legal consequences.