Gwalior, Aug 7 (IANS) Two Kanwar pilgrims were seriously injured after they were allegedly assaulted with sticks, iron rods and a hammer following a minor vehicle collision in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, police said on Friday.
The incident took place on Thursday night in the Ghasmandi area under the Bahodapur police station limits when a group of Kanwariyas from Gwalior was on its way to Haridwar to collect holy water as part of the Kanwar Yatra.
According to police, a car allegedly hit the vehicle carrying the pilgrims, triggering an argument between the two sides. The dispute soon escalated, and the occupants of the car, along with their associates, allegedly attacked the Kanwariyas with sticks, iron rods and a hammer before fleeing the spot.
Police rushed to the scene and shifted the injured to a hospital.
The two injured pilgrims were identified as Vivek Yadav and Shubham Yadav. Vivek sustained a serious head injury after he was allegedly struck with a hammer, while Shubham also suffered injuries in the assault, police said.
Bahodapur police station SHO Alok Singh Parihar said three persons have been detained in connection with the incident, while efforts are underway to identify and arrest the remaining accused.
“A case has been registered on the complaint of the victims. We have detained three persons and are investigating the role of others involved in the assault,” Parihar said.
The incident triggered protests by Bajrang Dal members, fellow Kanwariyas and supporters, who gathered outside the Bahodapur and Gwalior police stations demanding immediate action against the accused.
They also briefly blocked the road outside the Bahodapur police station, disrupting traffic for some time. Senior police officers later reached the spot and persuaded the protesters to end the blockade after assuring them of prompt action.
Additional police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.
“We are examining CCTV footage from the area and collecting other evidence. The remaining accused will be arrested soon. We appeal to the public to maintain peace and not pay attention to rumours,” Parihar said.
Police said further investigation into the case is underway.
--IANS
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