In Gwalior, a speeding car ran over Kanwariyas late at night, resulting in the immediate death of 4 people and serious injuries to 2 others. Following the accident, relatives blocked the road and expressed their anger against the administration.
Accident: The sacred Kanwar Yatra of Sawan turned into mourning when a speeding, uncontrolled car ran over Kanwariyas late Monday night on the Gwalior-Shivpuri link road. In this heartbreaking accident, four devotees died on the spot, while two were seriously injured. After the incident, outrage spread in the area and relatives blocked the road.
Accident: When Faith Was Crushed
This horrific accident occurred around 12 o'clock on Monday night near Sheetla Mata Mandir crossing, where a group of about 15 Kanwariyas were returning after offering water. At the same time, a speeding Glanza car, reportedly traveling at around 140 km/h, became uncontrolled after a tire burst and ran directly into the Kanwariyas.
Body Recovered from Under the Car
According to eyewitnesses, the impact of the car was so severe that the bodies of the Kanwariyas were thrown far away, and one body got trapped under the car. It was only when the police overturned the car with the help of a crane that the body of the young man could be recovered. The body was badly crushed and difficult to identify.
Deceased and Injured – All Were Relatives
Police investigation revealed that all the deceased were close relatives and residents of Simaria and Chak villages near Gwalior. This family used to undertake the Kanwar Yatra every year in Sawan, and this time also a group of 15 people were returning with water from Haridwar. The deceased have been identified as Pooran, Ramesh, Dinesh, and Dharmendra. Meanwhile, Hargovind and Prahlad are seriously injured and are being treated at Janarogya Hospital in Gwalior.
Relatives' Outrage – Highway Blocked
As the news of the accident spread, a large number of villagers and relatives reached the spot. The angry crowd blocked the Gwalior-Shivpuri Highway and started shouting slogans against the administration. The relatives demanded that the guilty driver be arrested immediately and compensation be given to the families of the deceased.
Police Action and Administration's Concern
Upon receiving information about the incident, CSP Robin Jain reached the spot with the force of three police stations. The police tried to pacify the crowd and calm the situation. The car driver is said to be absconding, and a search is on. The police have seized the car and registered an FIR. CSP Robin Jain said, "We are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. The car driver has been identified and will be arrested soon."
Compensation Demanded from Administration, Political Activity Intensifies
Local leaders have also expressed condolences regarding the incident and demanded appropriate compensation for the victim families. The opposition has questioned the administration, asking how vehicles are running at such high speeds on the highway? Why is there no strictness regarding speed limits?
Journey in the Name of Religion and Faith, But Safety is Missing
This is not the first time that such an accident has happened to Kanwar pilgrims. Every year in Sawan, thousands of devotees come out on the roads, but proper safety arrangements are often missing for them. There are neither any barricades along the roadside nor adequate police force.
Tribute and Question – Who Will Take Responsibility?
The entire area is stunned by this accident. On one hand, there is faith of Sawan, on the other hand, there is mourning in four houses. This is not just a road accident, but a question – is our system so helpless that even religious journeys are not safe?
