The KanwarYatra concluded on August 2, marred by violent incidents and acts of vandalism. Despite extensive preparations by the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh governments to manage the pilgrimage, daily reports of hooliganism by Kanwariyas emerged along the route since the Yatra began on July 22.
The Yatra traversed through Delhi, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Shamli, and Baghpat districts in Uttar Pradesh. Several violent episodes have raised concerns about the police’s lenient approach towards the Kanwariyas, who were often seen engaging in acts of vandalism without facing legal consequences.
A tragic incident occurred in Muzaffarnagar on July 23 when an e-rickshaw driver, Mohit, allegedly struck a Kanwar with his vehicle. In retaliation, he was attacked by a group of Kanwariyas. Despite police intervention, Mohit succumbed to his injuries five days later, marking the first fatality of this year’s Yatra-related violence.
A disturbing video showing Kanwariyas assaulting a transgender person in Ghaziabad went viral, highlighting the mob’s brutality. The police clarified that the attack resulted from a misunderstanding, but it underscored the unchecked aggression of the pilgrims.
In another viral video, Kanwariyas in Ghaziabad were seen damaging a police car, further illustrating the lawlessness that accompanied the Yatra. The pilgrims vandalized the vehicle despite the Kanwar remaining intact, emphasizing their disregard for public property.
Reports of Kanwariyas engaging in eve-teasing in Haridwar added to the growing list of violent incidents. In Meerut, on July 26, a mob attacked a car carrying Mohammad Arshad, Mohammad Parvez, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Shahzad, causing severe injuries. A viral video of the assault highlighted the severity of the situation, with the victims barely escaping with their lives. The vehicle, traveling the wrong way, apparently collided with a pilgrim. AyushVikram Singh, the Superintendent of Police in Meerut, stated that the issue was settled since neither party intended to file a lawsuit.
On July 19, a group of Kanwariyas vandalized an eatery on National Highway 58 in the Chhapar area of Muzaffarnagar over allegations of being served food containing onion and garlic. The Muslim cook at the dhaba fled to avoid potential violence, reflecting the heightened tensions during the Yatra.
In another incident on July 24, Kanwariyas attacked Ashutosh Sharma’s petrol pump in Muzaffarnagar after being asked to stop smoking on the premises. The violent confrontation resulted in significant property damage and serious injuries to Manoj Kumar, an employee at the petrol station. Kumar was admitted to the Muzaffarnagar Medical College with serious injuries and received stitches on his head.
A computer, a gate, a cash counter, a biometric device, a printer, toughened glass, and numerous other pieces of equipment were either broken or damaged by the Yatris. After watching the entire violence on CCTV, Sharma stated, “They broke anything they could break.” In his own words, he lost anywhere between Rs. 15-20 lakh. On social media, the incident’s ugly moments were extensively shared.
Regarding the spate of violence that Kanwariyas have been committing on the KanwarYatra route, Sharma commented that the state government’s stringent directives that Kanwariyas must be looked after during the voyage have put the administration on the defensive. They felt free to act in this way. Sharma, who has spent the last 20 years constantly observing KanwarYatras, expressed concerns about the increasing lawlessness among Kanwariyas, warning of potential major incidents if stringent measures are not enforced.
The violence extended to traffic disruptions, with Kanwariyas frequently flouting traffic rules and causing road blockages. As has been noted in multiple reports, those participating in the KanwarYatra have often been flouting traffic rules on the highway on their way back from Haridwar. In response, several roads in Noida and Ghaziabad were closed to vehicles, and heavy vehicles were barred from the Delhi-Meerut Expressway since July 22. However, these measures did little to curb the violence and vandalism that characterized this year’s KanwarYatra.
Sharma commented that the facilities provided to the Kanwariyas are being misused. “They are aware that no consequences will follow from their misbehavior or acts of violence. I fear that a major incident—something akin to a lynching or stampede—might occur soon,” he warned.