2 Kanwariyas run over at Manesar; police jeeps torched

Gurgaon, Aug 7 (UNI) 'Kanwariya' pilgrims laid siege to the Delhi-Jaipur Highway and indulged in arson and violence after two pilgrims were killed and three injured by a truck near Manesar this morning.

The 'Kanwariyas', who collect the holy water of the Ganga to annoint Lord Shiva during this 'Shravan' month, blocked the highway and torched the truck, which mowed down the pilgrims, and also the vehicles of Gurgaon Additional Police Commissioner (South) Kailash Chandra and SHO Bhan Singh.

They also smashed several other vehicles and broke the window panes of Haryana Roadways buses.

A group of five pilgrims was on way to its village near Alwar, when it was hit by the truck near Manesar. Two of the pilgrims died on the spot while the other three were injured seriously.

Incensed over the incident, angry 'Kanwariyas' blocked the traffic on the highway for more than four hours and indulged in arson.

The Police later resorted to lathicharge to bring the situation under control and opened the highway.

The injured were taken to a local hospital which referred them to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, where their condition was stated to be critical.

Deputy Commissioner of Gurgaon Rakesh Gupta and Gurgaon Police Commissioner Mahender Lal have reached the spot and were trying to pacify the agitated 'Kanwariyas'.

The situation was still stated to be tense.

UNI