A tragic road accident during the annual Kanwar Yatra has claimed the lives of four devotees of Lord Shiva in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The shocking incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday near the Shivpuri Link Road adjacent to the busy Agra-Mumbai National Highway (NH-3). As the Kanwariyas were walking with religious fervour, a speeding car lost control and rammed into them, killing four and injuring two others.
This accident not only casts a shadow over the spiritual yatra but also raises serious questions on road safety and the preparedness of authorities during large-scale religious events like the Kanwar Yatra.
What Exactly Happened in Gwalior?
According to City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Hina Khan, the accident occurred around 2 AM on Wednesday, when a high-speed car hit a group of Kanwariyas, devotees who were walking with water pots to offer to Lord Shiva.
Details of the Accident:
- The incident happened on Shivpuri Link Road, close to NH-3, a busy national highway.
- A speeding vehicle, allegedly out of control, rammed into the Kanwariyas from behind.
- The driver lost control of the car, leading it to overturn. One of the tyres burst during the incident, as per police sources.
- Three Kanwariyas died on the spot, and another succumbed to injuries later in a hospital.
- Two others are injured and under treatment.
Who Were the Victims?
The deceased were identified by police as:
- Puran Banjara
- Ramesh Banjara
- Dinesh
- Dharmendra
All of them hailed from Simaria village near Ghatigaon, Madhya Pradesh. The Kanwariyas were participating in the holy Kanwar Yatra, which is observed during the Hindu month of Shravan.
Where Is the Accused Driver?
According to CSP Hina Khan:
- The car occupants are currently missing.
- Police have identified the car owner, and a probe is underway.
- Efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits.
This has sparked public outrage, especially among the local population, who staged a protest at the accident site, demanding immediate action and justice for the deceased.
Supreme Court’s Latest Order on Hotels Along the Kanwar Yatra Route
While the accident in Gwalior made headlines, another significant development related to the Kanwar Yatra came from the Supreme Court on July 22. The apex court passed a crucial directive regarding hotels and eateries operating along the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Order:
- The SC refused to stay the QR code rule for restaurants and hotels on the yatra route.
- All hotel owners must display their license and registration certificates prominently.
- The SC bench stated that these establishments should comply with statutory requirements for public safety and transparency.
- The court observed that the Kanwar Yatra was nearing completion, but the directive was important for overall accountability.
This order came amid concerns regarding hygiene, safety, and illegal setups on the yatra path that caters to millions of devotees every year.
The Scale and Significance of Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra is one of the biggest annual religious pilgrimages in India, where devotees (Kanwariyas) walk or travel on foot to collect water from sacred rivers like the Ganga and offer it to Lord Shiva temples. It is most prominently observed in states like:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Bihar
- Haryana
The 2025 yatra drew millions of participants, especially due to Shravan Somvar falling on auspicious days, leading to massive footfall and increased traffic on national highways and religious routes.
Public Outrage and Demand for Justice
Following the incident, angry locals blocked the road and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the accident. The protest also questioned:
- The lack of speed control measures on roads used by pilgrims.
- The absence of proper lighting and barricading.
- The delay in emergency medical support.
This tragedy underscores the need for better safety protocols, patrolling, and accident-prevention infrastructure during events like the Kanwar Yatra.
Road Safety During Religious Events: An Urgent Need
Every year, thousands of devotees risk their lives walking on highways due to:
- Inadequate lighting
- High-speed vehicles
- Lack of dedicated walkways
- Poor enforcement of traffic rules
Despite repeated incidents, state and central authorities often fall short in implementing comprehensive safety frameworks. This Gwalior incident should act as a wake-up call for stakeholders.
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