MUZAFFARNAGAR, Uttar Pradesh: A pickup truck was vandalized by a group of Kanwariyas in Purkazi town of Muzaffarnagar district on Wednesday evening following an alleged collision between the vehicle and a ‘kanwar’ during the ongoing annual pilgrimage. The incident caused a temporary disruption to traffic on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway.
According to police reports, the incident occurred when the pickup vehicle reportedly brushed against one of the ‘kanwars’ carried by the pilgrims returning from Haridwar with Gangajal. This alleged contact triggered anger among some members of the procession, who then stopped the vehicle and proceeded to vandalize it. Viral videos of the event showed individuals climbing onto the truck, smashing its windshield, and striking it with sticks, causing significant damage.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that police personnel were dispatched to the scene promptly. They managed to disperse the crowd and restore traffic movement on the highway. The situation was brought under control, and no further escalation was reported. The pilgrims eventually resumed their yatra.
Muzaffarnagar Superintendent of Police, Amit Jain, stated that a case has been registered against unidentified individuals on charges of vandalism and creating public disturbance. He added that the police have taken cognizance of the viral videos and are in the process of identifying the accused based on the footage. Legal action will be pursued against those identified.
The police are also verifying the authenticity and sequence of events depicted in the circulated videos as part of their ongoing investigation. This incident underscores the potential for tension during large religious gatherings and the importance of maintaining peace and order.
The annual Kanwar Yatra, a significant religious event for Shiva devotees, involves pilgrims carrying holy water from the Ganga river to their local Shiva temples. The administration has appealed to all devotees to observe restraint, adhere to legal guidelines, and ensure that the Yatra proceeds peacefully, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards violence or disorder.
While the primary incident involved the vandalism of a pickup truck, reports from previous years and other incidents during the current Yatra period in Uttar Pradesh indicate a broader pattern of occasional unrest associated with the pilgrimage. These have included altercations following minor accidents or perceived provocations, leading to disruptions and, in some instances, injuries.
Authorities have emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all participants and the general public during the Yatra. Efforts are being made to identify all individuals involved in the Muzaffarnagar incident to ensure accountability. The seized pickup vehicle is part of the ongoing investigation.
The Chenab Times News Desk