Muzaffarnagar: Kanwar pilgrims allegedly damage pickup after contact with holy water pot
A group of Kanwar Yatra pilgrims allegedly vandalised a pickup vehicle after it came into contact with a 'kanwar' (a holy water pot) on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway in Muzaffarnagar district, police said on Thursday.
The incident occurred near Khadar Chowk in Purkazi town on Wednesday night when a group of pilgrims, including Naveen, Prince and Navneet, was returning from Haridwar carrying holy water in kanwars.
According to Station House Officer Manvendra Singh Bhati, the pickup vehicle allegedly brushed against one of the kanwars, triggering anger among the pilgrims who then allegedly vandalised the vehicle. Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.
The pilgrims later resumed their yatra, while police seized the pickup vehicle and launched an investigation. Traffic on the highway, briefly affected by the commotion, was restored.
The annual Kanwar Yatra, a pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva, is scheduled to begin on July 30 and conclude on August 11. Devotees travel to Haridwar to collect holy water from the Ganges and carry it in decorated pots (kanwars) to offer at Shiva temples. Some pilgrims begin their journey before the official start date.
Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident. No injuries have been reported.
