Kanwariyas burn two trucks in Allahabad

Handiya (Allahabad, UP), July 23 (ANI): A group of Kanwarias hailing from Madhya Pradesh turned violent and torched two lorries in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad district after one of them was killed in a road accident on Thursday.

The Kanwarias, who take a pilgrimage on foot or travel in private vehicles for hundreds of miles, were heading towards Varanasi.

The incident occurred at Handiya. A truck hit a trolley in which they were travelling with pot of water from the River Ganges.

Outraged Kanwarias then blocked the highway and resorted to acts of arson. The situation was, however, brought under control by the police.

"The body of the deceased has been removed from the spot. The fire (on trucks) has been extinguished, and the situation is under control," said N P Singh, Superintendent of Police, Trans-Ganga Area, Allahabad .

Kanwarias collect holy water from the River Ganges and offer it at temples dedicated to Lord Shiva back in their respective localities.

The pilgrimage takes place during the month of Shravan (July-August) as per the Hindu calendar. (ANI)