UP: Speeding Truck Mows Down 7 Kanwariyas In Hathras, 6 Devotees Dead

"Probe underway in the incident. We have received info about the driver, he will be nabbed soon," said Rajeev Krishna, ADG, Agra Zone

Seven kanwariyas mowed down by speeding truck in Hathras

Seven kanwariyas were mowed down by a speeding truck in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh early Saturday morning. The kanwariyas were on their way to Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh after taking "gangajal" from Haridwar when the incident happened, reported news agency ANI. Five of them died on the spot, one succumbed to the injuries during treatment. 

"5 dead, 1 seriously injured after seven Kanwar devotees were mowed down by a truck around 2.15 am today, at Sadabad Police Station in Hathras. They were en route to Gwalior from Haridwar with their Kanwars," said Rajeev Krishna, ADG, Agra Zone to the media, as reported by ANI

The official said that the probe into the incident is underway and assured of nabbing the culprit soon.

"Probe underway in the incident. We have received info about the driver, he will be nabbed soon," said Rajeev Krishna, ADG, Agra Zone

Earlier on Thursday, five Kanwariyas taking bath in the Ganga river near the Kangda ghat in Haridwar were rescued from drowning after they were spotted by the Jawans of the 40th battalion of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), reported news agency PTI.

During the month of ‘Sawan’ or ‘Shravana’ devotees of Lord Shiva take a holy pilgrimage called 'Kanwar Yatra', in which they carry Kanwar (walking sticks to hang the urns of water) for which they are called Kanwariyas. Their pilgrimage commences with walking on foot to Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gaumukh, and other sites in Uttarakhand to fetch Gangajal and offer it to Lord Shiva.

The Kanwar Yatra has resumed this year after a gap of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Necessary measures are being taken by all local administration to avoid any untoward incidents during the holy pilgrimage.