Kanwariyas vandalize pickup after ‘contact’ with kanwar in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh

The Kanwariyas later continued their yatra while the police impounded the pickup truck and launched an investigation into the incident. File Image | Photo credit: PTI

A group of kanwariyas allegedly vandalized a pickup truck after apparently coming into contact with a ‘kanwar’ on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway in Muzaffarnagar district, police said on Thursday (July 16, 2026).

The Kanwariyas later continued their yatra while the police impounded the pickup truck and launched an investigation into the incident.

The incident took place near Khadar Chowk in Purkazi town on Wednesday (July 15) night when a group of kanwariyas, including Naveen, Prince and Navneet, were returning from Haridwar carrying holy water in ‘kanwars’.

According to Station House Officer (SHO) Manvendra Singh Bhati, the pickup allegedly brushed against one of the ‘kanwars’, sparking anger among the pilgrims who allegedly vandalized the vehicle.

Police rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident and brought the situation under control, the SHO said.

Traffic on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway, which was briefly affected due to the commotion, was later restored, police said.

The annual Kanwar Yatra is scheduled to begin on July 30 this year and end on August 11. Some people start their pilgrimage before the yatra officially begins.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 12:01 IST