Kanwariyas Allegedly Assault School Van in Lucknow During Kanwar Yatra

In a disturbing incident during the annual Kanwar Yatra, six kanwariyas on three motorcycles reportedly attacked a school van in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. The incident occurred at Charak Crossing in the Chowk area, where the van was transporting students to school when it was suddenly struck from behind by one of the motorbikes after the driver had to brake suddenly.

The Kanwar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage for Hindu devotees, sees participants, known as kanwariyas, traverse hundreds of kilometers to collect holy water from the Ganga River near Haridwar. This water is then brought back to their local temples in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. This year, the yatra began on August 3 and is set to conclude on August 11.

Following the collision, an argument broke out between the van driver and the kanwariyas. Witnesses reported that the dispute escalated, leading to the alleged vandalism of the van’s rear windshield and side mirror. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the schoolchildren, who remained unharmed during the altercation.

Police authorities, including Chowk Police Station’s Station House Officer Nagesh Upadhyay, have confirmed that the investigation is underway. Assistant Superintendent of Police Shubham Kumar stated that law enforcement officials have utilized surveillance camera footage to identify the registration numbers of the three motorcycles involved. A formal case is expected to be filed as part of the ongoing investigation.

This incident has raised concerns about the safety of schoolchildren during the festive season, particularly in areas where large crowds and processions are common. The Kanwar Yatra is known for its vibrant display of devotion, but incidents of violence can overshadow its spiritual significance. Local authorities are urged to ensure the safety of both pilgrims and civilians during this time.

Source: scroll.in