Dehradun, Aug. 14 -- The Rudraprayag police on Wednesday used lathi charge to disperse pilgrims who allegedly broke through the barricades put up by the police to stop them, as the Kedarnath yatra is suspended until Thursday due to heavy rainfall. As a video of the police using force went viral on social media, the police issued a statement in its clarification. Rudraprayag superintendent of police (SP) Akshay Pralhad Konde said, "As the district is receiving heavy rainfall and a red alert has been sounded...the district administration suspended the Kedarnath yatra for three days...it is effective until Thursday." "Despite police putting up barricades at various points on the route, some pilgrims are secretly reaching Sonprayag using local transport such as buses and locally operated vehicles," he further said. "This morning as well, about 100-150 pilgrims reached Sonprayag and attempted to proceed further by arguing with the police. When they insisted on going ahead, action was taken to disperse them. No untoward incident occurred in this matter," he added. htc...