A school van carrying students in Lucknow was attacked with stones by a group of men participating in the Kanwar Yatra. Police have stated that no children sustained injuries during the incident.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the attack occurred in the Chowk police station area of the city on Monday, August 3, 2026. Initial reports suggest that the van was targeted as it passed through a route where the Kanwar Yatra was underway.
According to the Lucknow police, upon receiving information about the incident, officers from the Chowk police station were immediately dispatched to the scene. They confirmed that all children aboard the van were safe and unhurt. The police have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter, reviewing CCTV footage and gathering evidence to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Locals present in the vicinity suggested that the passengers in the van belonged to a minority community, and this may have been a factor in the targeting. However, the police have not yet confirmed any specific motive behind the stone-pelting, emphasizing their focus on identifying the perpetrators and ensuring legal action is taken.
The incident has raised concerns regarding the safety of schoolchildren and the potential for such untoward events during large public gatherings and processions. Authorities have assured the public that all individuals involved in the attack will be brought to justice as per the law.
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva during the Hindu month of Shravana. Participants, known as Kanwariyas, travel on foot to collect water from the Ganges and other holy rivers to offer to Shiva Lingams in their local temples. While largely a religious event, it sometimes witnesses large crowds and can cause traffic disruptions in various parts of North India.
The Chowk area, where the incident occurred, is a densely populated part of Lucknow, and such processions often pass through various city routes. The police are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in managing large-scale religious processions while ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren.
The Chenab Times News Desk