28 July 2024: A group of Kanwariyas violently attacked a Muslim man and his vehicle following a minor collision on the Meerut-Delhi Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district, reported the Hindustan Times. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, involved Kanwariyas who were lightly hit by the man’s car during their pilgrimage.
According to reports, the collision led to an aggressive response from the Kanwariyas. The mob pulled the man out of his car, tore his clothes, and extensively damaged the vehicle. The Kanwariyas alleged that the car had struck their holy water pots, known as kanwars.
Amid the chaos, police intervened and rescued the victim, though three other occupants of the car managed to escape from the angry crowd. Authorities have launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the attackers.
This incident is one of several recent violent episodes involving Kanwariyas. In Muzaffarnagar, a mob brutally assaulted a mentally disturbed man for allegedly waving a stick at them. Another incident in the same city saw a car vandalized after the driver accidentally brushed against the water pots.
In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, an e-rickshaw was vandalized, and its driver was beaten by Kanwariyas following an accidental collision.
The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage for devotees of Shiva, began on July 22. Despite the pilgrimage’s religious significance, the repeated instances of violence have raised concerns about maintaining law and order during the event.
Police and local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of all participants and residents.
