2 Kanwariyas die in separate hit-and-run accidents in Haridwar: Police

Police teams in both cases are examining CCTV footage from the accident areas and investigating to trace the vehicles and their drivers

A 45-year-old man, travelling as part of the annual Kanwar pilgrimage was killed in a road accident on Sunday morning after an unidentified vehicle hit him near Libberhedi in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar, superintendent of rural police, SC Suyal said.

The deceased identified as Manga Kumar was from Uttar Pradesh’s Badaut, police said, adding that the driver fled the spot after hitting the pilgrim. Further investigation is underway, police said.

In a separate incident late on Saturday night, another man travelling for Kanwar pilgrimage was killed after an unidentified vehicle allegedly hit him near the Lord Shiva temple in Hardiwar’s Manglaur, under the jurisdiction of the Gurukul Kangri police post.

Police officers said the deceased’s identity was yet to be established. The deceased was estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old.

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Police teams in both cases are examining CCTV footage from the accident areas and investigating to trace the vehicles and their drivers.

Cases have been registered against the unidentified vehicle drivers under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rash driving and causing death by negligence, officers said.

On Sunday a Kanwariya’s motorcycle caught fire on the highway stretch near Patanjali Yogpeeth. Firefighters reached the spot and managed to douse the flames.

The Kanwariya escaped unhurt after jumping off the motorcycle immediately after flames erupted from the engine. Police and emergency personnel reached the spot and ensured that the situation was brought under control.

The incidents come amid the ongoing Shravan Kanwar pilgrimage, during which a large number of devotees are travelling through Haridwar and other parts of Uttarakhand to collect holy Ganga water.

With the number of Kanwariyas rising sharply, police and administration officials have stepped up traffic management and surveillance measures along major routes.