Speeding Car Mows Down Kanwariyas in Gwalior; 4 Dead, Kin Block Road in Protest

Gwalior (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic road accident claimed the lives of four Kanwariyas and left two others critically injured late last night near the Sheetla Mata Mandir crossing on the Gwalior–Shivpuri link road in Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred around midnight when a speeding car lost control and rammed into a group of Kanwar pilgrims, dragging one of the victims under the vehicle before falling into a nearby ditch.

Police sources confirmed that the vehicle crushed six Kanwariyas. When the car was overturned by authorities, a body was discovered stuck underneath, mangled from the impact. The deceased were identified as Puran, Ramesh, Dinesh, and Dharmendra—all residents of Chak village in Simaria and part of a group of 15 Kanwariyas who had set out on their annual pilgrimage during the holy month of Saavan.

Two other pilgrims, Hargovind and Prahlad, sustained serious injuries and are being treated at Janarogya Hospital.

Following the accident, grieving family members and villagers rushed to the scene and blocked the highway in protest, demanding strict action against the driver and better safety measures for Kanwariyas. Tension prevailed at the spot until the police arrived in force to control the situation.

City Superintendent of Police Robin Jain, along with officers from three police stations, reached the accident site to assess the situation and ensure the injured received timely medical attention.

Every year, thousands of devotees walk for miles carrying sacred water as part of the Kanwar Yatra, often travelling on highways and busy roads. The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of pilgrims and the need for stronger traffic regulation during the yatra period.