'Kanwariyas' vandalise car, thrash occupants after it brushes past one of them in Uttar Pradesh

Muzaffarnagar: A car was vandalised and its occupants thrashed by 'kanwariyas' who claimed that it had brushed against them here on the Haridwar-Delhi national highway, police said Monday on the first day of the annual kanwar yatra.

The group of devotees claimed that a 'kanwar' belonging to one of them had been rendered impure because the car had touched it near the Bajheri cut under the Chhapar area of the district late Sunday.

A police officer, however, said no kanwariya came forward to confirm whether his kanwar came in contact with the car.

A 'kanwar' is a pot filled with water from the Ganga River, hung on a decorated bamboo stick. The stick is balanced by 'kanwariyas' on their shoulders as they take the holy water back home to be offered to Lord Shiva.

The yatra commenced on the first day of Sawan (Shravan) on Monday and will culminate on August 2.

Circle Officer Raju Kumar Sab said the damaged vehicle has been seized and efforts are being made to identify its driver and passengers. CCTV camera footage of the area is also being examined, he said.