UP police arrest victim instead of Kanwariyas who thrashed him, vandalized his car

Amid the increased violence unleashed by the Kanwariyas on their pilgrim route while escaping from the clutches of the law, the UP police in Ghaziabad have been accused of charging the driver with rash driving instead of the Kanwariyas, who vandalized his car and thrashed him, allegedly brushing against one of them on July 27.

The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, shows the Kanwariyas using wooden bats, rods, and lathis to smash the white car before flipping it over. Despite clear evidence of the attack, the police chose to arrest the driver instead of taking action against the vandals, The Wire reported.

The driver, identified as 36-year-old Nowar Chaudhary, was booked on charges of rash driving, endangering life, criminal intimidation, and intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace.

According to the FIR lodged at Muradnagar police station, the police allege that Chaudhary was speeding and driving negligently on a designated Kanwar Yatra route near the Ravli Road cut. The complaint states that after his car brushed against the Kanwads carried by one of the Kanwariyas, Chaudhary responded with verbal abuse and threats, which allegedly provoked a violent reaction from the Kanwariyas.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Naresh Kumar confirmed the arrest of the driver and stated that further legal actions were being pursued against him. However, no action has been reported against the Kanwariyas involved in the assault and vandalism.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence associated with the Kanwar Yatra in recent years. Similar episodes have been reported in Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar in Western Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. In these cases, Kanwariyas have attacked commuters and damaged vehicles, claiming that their Kanwads were desecrated. There have also been reports of Kanwariyas attacking a petrol pump and a dhaba in Muzaffarnagar.

The lack of accountability and legal action against the violent Kanwariyas has sparked a debate on the enforcement of law and order during religious pilgrimages. As the Kanwar Yatra continues, authorities are urged to ensure the safety of all citizens and uphold the rule of law.