An incident in Purkazi, Muzaffarnagar, has sparked outrage and concerns, as it is alleged that a Muslim youth spat on a Kanwar during the Kanwar Yatra, causing distress to devotees and potentially inciting communal tensions. The incident led to a tense situation in the area.
What Happened
The incident occurred as a group of Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) were passing through Purkazi on their way to Delhi from Haridwar. It is alleged that a youth spat on a Kanwar being carried by the Shiv bhakts, who were accompanying a female Kanwariya. This action provoked anger among the devotees participating in the Kanwar Yatra. A large crowd quickly gathered at the scene, leading to a road blockade. The situation escalated to the point where some devotees attempted to enter a nearby building.
Police arrived at the scene upon receiving information about the incident and worked to bring the situation under control. SP City Satyanarayan Prajapat personally went to the site and attempted to pacify the situation. Subsequently, holy Gangajal (water from the Ganges) was re-obtained from Haridwar, and a new Kanwar was provided to the devotees to replace the affected one, allowing them to continue their journey.
Arrest of the Accused
Following the incident, the police took the accused, identified as Usman, son of Ghasita, a resident of Purkazi, into custody and registered a case against him under serious charges. During the investigation, the police learned that the accused is hearing and speech impaired, which has complicated the inquiry. The police are now seeking assistance from sign language experts to interrogate him to ascertain the complete truth of the matter.
SP City Satyanarayan Prajapat stated that a female Kanwariya had temporarily placed her Kanwar down when a youth came and spat on it. The police immediately took cognizance of the matter and arrested the accused. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused appears to be hearing and speech impaired, and therefore, assistance from language experts is being sought for interrogation.
Statement by the Victim, Muskan
Muskan, a Delhi resident and devotee of Lord Shiva, who was the victim in the incident, has raised questions about the initial information provided by the police. She stated that she was not resting, but was walking during the yatra. Muskan said, “I stopped for a moment to wash my face, and my brother's 101-liter Kanwar was placed nearby. Then a youth came and spat on the Kanwar. This act is a complete insult to our faith and the yatra.”
Muskan also said that she was shocked by the incident and that such actions could disrupt communal harmony in society. She demanded strict action from the administration to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
Attempt to Apologize from the Accused via Video Call
After the incident, when the group of Kanwariyas reached the Shiv Chowk in the town, SP City Satyanarayan Prajapat personally intervened to manage the situation. The police arranged a video call and had the accused, Usman, who was in jail, apologize to the Kanwariyas with folded hands in their presence. After the accused offered his apology, the Shiv bhakts calmed down and proceeded with their journey.
Police Increased Security
Following the entire sequence of events, the police have increased security in the area. Additional police personnel have been deployed to prevent any further rumors or tension from arising. The police stated that a thorough investigation of the entire matter is underway, and the verification of whether the accused is hearing and speech impaired is also being conducted.
Meanwhile, the administration is appealing to the public to maintain peace and avoid any rumors.
