Kanwariyas vandalise pickup after 'contact' with kanwar in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar
A group of Kanwariyas vandalized a pickup vehicle in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, after the vehicle allegedly brushed against a religious 'kanwar'. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred ahead of the official start of the annual Kanwar Yatra.
Why it matters
The incident underscores recurring tensions and law-and-order challenges associated with large-scale religious processions in India.
A group of kanwariyas allegedly vandalised a pickup vehicle after it apparently came in contact with a 'kanwar' on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway in Muzaffarnagar district, police said on Thursday (July 16, 2026).
The kanwariyas later resumed their yatra, while police seized the pickup vehicle and launched an investigation into the incident.
The incident took place near Khadar Chowk in Purkazi town on Wednesday (July 15) night when a group of kanwariyas , including Naveen, Prince and Navneet, was returning from Haridwar carrying holy water in 'kanwars'.
According to Station House Officer (SHO) Manvendra Singh Bhati, the pickup vehicle allegedly brushed against one of the 'kanwars', triggering anger among the pilgrims who allegedly vandalised the vehicle.
Police rushed to the spot on receiving information about the incident and brought the situation under control, the SHO said.
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