An Attack on Muslims took place after the rape incident in Uttarakhand: Tourism devastated after Nainital violence
#News Bureau May 3,2025
Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, reports of attacks on Muslims in Uttarakhand have been surfacing regularly. However, the backlash against Muslims after the rape incident in Nainital has severely damaged the region’s tourism industry.
Nainital, one of Uttarakhand’s prime tourist destinations, has been thrust into the spotlight due to growing tension and protests following the rape of a minor girl. Demonstrations, acts of vandalism, and widespread shutdowns in response to the incident have dealt a heavy blow to the local tourism industry. Once bustling with visitors, the city now appears deserted, with hundreds of tourists cutting their trips short or canceling plans altogether.
The situation escalated further when bulldozers were sent on Friday to demolish the accused’s house, only to be halted by a High Court order. The court intervened, citing Supreme Court guidelines, and made it clear that no such action can be taken before a conviction is secured.
Tourism, a vital pillar of Uttarakhand’s economy, has been severely impacted by these events. Popular spots like Naini Lake, Himalayan Darshan, the zoo, ropeway, Snow View, and Cave Garden—usually teeming with visitors—are now eerily empty. Boats sit idle on Naini Lake, awaiting tourists who are no longer arriving. Digvijay Bisht, president of the Hotel Association, remarked that while business was thriving just days ago, the landscape has changed drastically.
Due to ongoing protests and shutdowns, Nainital’s Mall Road and other market areas have fallen silent. With most shops closed, tourists are struggling to find food and basic supplies. To ease the situation, the local Vyapar Mandal has stepped in, organizing community kitchens to provide meals for tourists and milk for children. Despite these efforts, many visitors have canceled their hotel bookings amid the tense atmosphere. Social media is also abuzz with warnings, advising travelers to avoid Nainital and surrounding areas for now.
The shocking incident—where an elderly man is accused of raping a minor—has sparked intense outrage among locals. On Thursday, large-scale protests erupted across the city, with demands for the death penalty for the accused. Protesters vandalized several shops and organized rallies from Mall Road to Tallital, while some groups also laid siege to the local police station. In response, authorities have deployed a heavy police presence to maintain order.
The accused, Usman, a local contractor, has been arrested and sent to jail after being presented before the POCSO court in Haldwani. Security across the district has been ramped up, with additional forces from the Uttarakhand Provincial Armed Constabulary (UK-PAC) and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) stationed on the ground. A late-night flag march was also carried out to reassure residents. A senior police officer confirmed that Usman remains in custody under strict security, and medical examinations are underway to complete procedural formalities.
The incident has deeply unsettled the city’s business community. Small and large business owners alike are worried about the long-term impact on tourism and trade. Locals say such incidents not only stain the city’s reputation but also jeopardize livelihoods. One resident, speaking anonymously, shared, “The entire community is heartbroken and furious over this heinous crime.”
Nainital, usually vibrant and bustling with life, is now gripped by an unsettling sense of fear and tension. The absence of tourists and shuttered markets have cast a somber mood over the city, painting an unfamiliar and disheartening picture. While the administration and local residents are making efforts to restore normalcy, it may take time for the tourism industry to fully recover.
