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Rudraprayag: The Kedarnath Yatra 2026 faced a conspiracy attempt on social media. A viral video showing horses and mules in poor condition was circulated to create confusion among pilgrims.

However, the district administration quickly exposed the video as fake and outdated.

भ्रामक खबरें फैलाने वालों पर सख्त एक्शन!

श्री केदारनाथ धाम की व्यवस्थाओं को लेकर भ्रामक एवं निराधार दावे करने वालों के खिलाफ अब तक रुद्रप्रयाग में 3 FIR दर्ज की जा चुकी हैं।

कृपया अफवाहों पर ध्यान न दें। श्रद्धालुओं को सुव्यवस्थित एवं नियमानुसार दर्शन कराए जा रहे हैं।

— Uttarakhand Police (@uttarakhandcops) April 23, 2026

Fake video exposed

The video, which spread widely online, was claimed to be from the current Yatra. But upon investigation, officials found it was more than three years old. The tag number of the horse seen in the video was verified by Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Ashish Rawat, who confirmed that the animal had not been registered for the Yatra in recent years.

District Magistrate Vishal Mishra ordered a thorough search operation from Gaurikund to Bhimbali and Lincholi. Veterinary teams and sector officers confirmed that none of the animals shown in the video were present. This proved the footage was misleading and had no connection to Kedarnath Yatra 2026.

Warning against misinformation

The administration strongly warned that any attempt to spread false information or tarnish the image of the Yatra will not be tolerated. Officials emphasized that security, health services, transportation, sanitation, and animal management are fully effective along the route. Sharing unverified videos or news can lead to strict legal action.

Heli ticket fraudsters punished

In another development, three men involved in helicopter ticket fraud during the Kedarnath Yatra were sentenced to prison. The court of Judicial Magistrate Ukhimath Santosh Pachhimi sentenced Vikas Kumar, Saurabh Singh, and Puneet Kumar to three years rigorous imprisonment and fines under Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.

Additionally, they were sentenced to six months imprisonment and fines under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy). The fraudsters had cheated pilgrims by falsely promising helicopter ticket bookings. The punishment sends a strong message against exploitation of devotees.

With strict monitoring, legal action, and robust arrangements, the pilgrimage continues to be conducted smoothly, ensuring safety and trust for lakhs of devotees.