The Ghaziabad Police have enforced traffic restrictions and heightened security measures on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway following an incident where a car allegedly hit several Kanwariyas walking on the road. Ghaziabad Commissioner of Police Ajay Kumar Mishra stated that arrangements have been made to prevent vehicle entry from Kadrabad village of Modinagar to every entry point of Ghaziabad district, including the Meerut road trisection, Mohan Nagar, Loni road, link road, and the UP-Delhi border up to Dilshad Garden.
“To ensure this traffic plan, civil and traffic police will keep extra vigil. Volunteers from civil societies in the area will assist the police and report any untoward activity,” Mishra added, as quoted by news agency PTI.
A video from Ghaziabad went viral on social media showing Kanwariyas vandalising a car with sticks. The incident occurred on National Highway 58 in the Muradnagar area, leading to a blockade by the Kanwariyas.
The incident occurred on Saturday when a car, allegedly driven in an inebriated state and on the wrong side, hit a few Kanwariyas. Enraged Kanwariyas dragged the driver out of the vehicle, thrashed him, and allegedly damaged the car. The driver, Naubahar Singh, a 40-year-old native of Muradnagar, was accompanied by the car owner at the time of the incident. Following the incident, Kanwariyas blocked the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, causing a traffic jam, PTI reported.
In response to the sensitive situation, two companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed at the Ganga Canal bridge in Muradnagar town, adjacent to Rawali road. Additional security has been beefed up across the district, Mishra confirmed.
Kanwar Yatra 2024: Security Beefed Up In Western Uttar Pradesh
The Kanwar Yatra holds significant religious importance during the month of Sawan, with devotees from different cities participating in various rituals to honour Lord Shiva. The Uttar Pradesh government has made several arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the yatra.
However, unrest among Kanwariyas has been reported in different parts of western Uttar Pradesh.
In Meerut, Kanwariyas caused a ruckus after someone allegedly spat on their Kanwar. The incident took place in the Bhudbaral area under the Partapur police station. The enraged Kanwariyas blocked the road, prompting the police to intervene and calm the situation. In response to the escalating tension, additional police forces were deployed to the site.