Roorkee, Uttarakhand – July 11, 2025: The annual Kanwar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage that draws thousands of Lord Shiva devotees from Haridwar and nearby areas to collect Ganga water, was disrupted by a shocking act of violence. A viral video captured a group of Kanwariyas (pilgrims) violently vandalising a Scorpio SUV near Belda village in Roorkee.
The video shows devotees smashing the vehicle’s windows, denting its body, and damaging the interior with sticks and rods after a reported minor collision. The intensity of the attack is evident as several Kanwariyas are seen jumping over the car's roof and aggressively breaking parts of it.
Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals. Similar cases were also reported in Haridwar and Muzaffarnagar where pilgrims vandalised vehicles and attacked drivers, reflecting a pattern of increasing aggression during the Yatra.
What Happened? Timeline of Events
Minor Collision Sparks Outrage: The altercation began when the Scorpio allegedly brushed against a Kanwar-pole or a support vehicle, angering nearby devotees who then turned violent.
Violence Escalates: Kanwariyas jumped on the car, smashed its windows and mirrors with rods, and reportedly injured the driver during the attack.
Police Intervention: Local police quickly responded, dispersed the violent crowd, and arrested five attackers on-site.
Parallel Incidents: In Haridwar and Muzaffarnagar, similar violent episodes took place involving different pilgrim groups clashing with civilians over road disputes.
Legal and Security Response
- Immediate Police Action: Uttarakhand authorities acted swiftly, arresting five people from Roorkee and three more from Haridwar related to similar cases.
- FIRs Filed: First Information Reports were registered based on complaints from vehicle owners. Charges include assault, vandalism, and disturbing public peace.
- Traffic Controls Intensified: Noida Police, anticipating further conflicts, introduced exclusive Kanwar lanes, diversion plans, and movement restrictions until July 25.
- Safety Measures for Women Pilgrims: In Bareilly, the administration has deployed anti-Romeo squads, installed CCTV cameras, and opened women’s help desks for safer travel.
Why Is This Happening?
The Kanwar Yatra involves emotionally charged religious gatherings and long-distance pilgrimages on foot. With large groups moving across highways and towns:
- High Pilgrim Count & Emotion: Devotees in large numbers and emotionally heightened states often overreact to minor incidents.
- Reduced Traffic Regulation: Relaxed controls on Kanwar routes increase the chance of clashes with regular road users.
- Response Gap from Police: Delayed or limited police intervention often fails to contain rising tensions in the early stages.
Video Goes Viral: Public Reaction
- Social Media Outrage: Netizens questioned how a peaceful pilgrimage turned into a public safety issue. Many expressed concern for commuters’ safety during such festivals.
- Calls for Balanced Enforcement: Civil rights groups called for non-biased law enforcement, urging equal accountability for both pilgrims and civilians.
- Communal Angle Denied: Officials denied any communal intent, clarifying that the incident was triggered purely by a traffic disagreement, not religion-related tensions.
Broader Context: Other Incidents During This Yatra
- Muradnagar, Ghaziabad: A Swift car was vandalised by pilgrims after it reportedly hit someone at a Kanwar rest stop. The driver was allegedly intoxicated, leading to arrests and temporary road blockages.
- Muzaffarnagar Clash: A motorbike rider was beaten and his vehicle destroyed after a similar confrontation with a Kanwar group.
What Authorities Are Doing
- Enhanced Police Deployment: Special teams are stationed at vulnerable points along Kanwar routes to prevent escalation.
- Traffic Restrictions: Expressway closures, alternate routes, and designated lanes are implemented to avoid mix-ups between pilgrims and vehicles.
- Proactive Measures: CCTV monitoring, women’s help desks, and harassment squads have been activated in sensitive zones.
- Legal Consequences: FIRs and arrests are being processed swiftly to deter future misbehavior.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Messages encouraging respectful behavior and legal compliance are being circulated regularly via local media.
How This Affects Pilgrims and Public
- Pilgrims’ Security: Though police are on high alert, the fear of retaliation or misunderstanding can spoil the spiritual journey for many.
- Public Road Users: Normal commuters face confusion, route diversions, and anxiety due to unpredictable pilgrim behavior.
- Regional Administration: Repeated clashes have prompted a re-evaluation of Kanwar Yatra planning, leading to stricter controls and legal frameworks.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What triggered the Roorkee incident?
A minor collision between a Scorpio SUV and a Kanwar convoy reportedly angered pilgrims, who then damaged the car and injured its driver.
2. How many Kanwariyas were arrested?
Five were arrested on-site in Roorkee, and three more in related cases across Haridwar, totaling eight.
3. What charges are being filed?
They include public disorder, assault, and property damage under applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code.
4. Has the driver been harmed?
Yes, the driver sustained injuries during the attack. His condition is being monitored by local health and police officials.
5. Why are these Yatra clashes happening repeatedly?
Large numbers of emotionally driven pilgrims, relaxed traffic controls, and occasional delays in police response contribute to these flare-ups.
6. Are any measures being implemented to prevent future violence?
Yes. These include CCTV monitoring, police deployments, route diversions, help desks for women, and special rapid-response units.
7. Is there a communal angle to these attacks?
No. Officials have clarified that the violence was not religiously motivated but stemmed from traffic and ego-related confrontations.
8. What are police and administration doing now?
They are increasing patrols, filing legal cases, managing traffic smartly, and broadcasting messages to promote peace and order.
9. How long will these restrictions last?
Traffic restrictions are expected to be in place till July 25, depending on the progression of the Yatra.
10. How can drivers avoid trouble during Kanwar Yatra?
Drivers are advised to stick to designated routes, avoid Kanwar lanes, stay vigilant, and follow police instructions at all times.
Key Takeaways
- Minor road disputes during Kanwar Yatra are escalating into serious violence.
- The Roorkee incident is one of several, prompting immediate police response and arrests.
- Authorities have ramped up control measures, but public awareness and patience are essential.
- Road users must remain alert and compliant with Yatra advisories for safety.
In Conclusion
The Roorkee Scorpio vandalism reflects deeper challenges in managing mass religious events. While law enforcement has taken decisive steps, the recurrence of such violence highlights the need for stronger coordination, early intervention, and heightened public cooperation to preserve both faith and civic safety.
Report by Toofan Express