By Team Clarion
GHAZIABAD — A Muslim youth was assaulted by a group of Kanwariyas in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, after they accused him of breaking a Kanwar.
The youth, identified as Imran, was accused of touching a Kanwar and causing it to break. Several pilgrims surrounded him on the road and repeatedly slapped and punched him.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media.
The incident took place near Guldhara railway station in the Madhuban Bapudham police station area. The Kanwariyas were on their way from Haridwar to Bharatpur in Rajasthan, carrying Ganga water as part of the annual Hindu pilgrimage.
One of the pilgrims, identified as Sonu Kumar, alleged that his Kanwar broke after Imran came into contact with it. Following the allegation, several Kanwariyas attacked the youth and beat him. The assault reportedly continued for nearly 20 minutes, causing panic in the area. Traffic came to a standstill, with a jam stretching nearly one kilometre as bystanders gathered.
Police reached the spot after being alerted and intervened to bring the situation under control.
In keeping with religious beliefs, police arranged for the Kanwar to be re-consecrated through prescribed rituals before the pilgrims resumed their journey.
The video drew widespread criticism online. Clarion India has not independently verified its authenticity.
Reacting to the incident, a social media user wrote: “Another day of Kanwar Yatra and innocent Muslims are being targeted and beaten over mere allegations. Imran bhai was assaulted by a mob in Ghaziabad. Where is justice? The police saved him, but this pattern must stop.”
As of now, authorities have not confirmed whether any arrests have been made or whether an FIR has been registered in connection with the assault.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net.