A car hit Kanwar pilgrims in Gwalior (Social Media)
National News: Around 12 a.m. on the Gwalior–Shivpuri Link Road in Madhya Pradesh, a group of Kanwar Yatris was hit by a speeding car near the Sheetla Mata Temple junction. The devotees were returning home after collecting holy water as part of their annual pilgrimage when a Toyota Glanza lost control and ran over six of them.
According to police reports, the car was traveling at approximately 140 km/h when one of its tires burst, causing the driver to lose control. The car rammed into the group of pedestrians and later crashed into a roadside ditch. When police arrived, one of the bodies was found severely crushed underneath the overturned car.
#WATCH | Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh | On the death of four Kanwar pilgrims after a car hit them, Chief Superintendent of Police Hina Khan says, "We got information that an incident has happened on the Sheetla Mata Highway in which some Kanwar pilgrims were hit by a speeding car...… pic.twitter.com/y6vkTNJRHz
— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2025
All six victims hailed from Chak village near Simaria and were close relatives. The deceased—Puran, Ramesh, Dinesh, and Dharmendra—had been part of a 15-member group performing the Kanwar Yatra, a religious journey undertaken every year in the holy month of Sawan. They were known in their village for taking part in this sacred ritual annually.
As news of the incident spread, family members and locals rushed to the scene and staged a protest by blocking the highway. They expressed grief and anger over the reckless driving and demanded immediate action against the driver, who reportedly fled the scene after the crash.
The two injured yatris, Hargovind and Prahlad, were quickly transported to Janarogya Hospital. Doctors reported that both sustained multiple injuries and are currently under close observation. Their condition is critical but stable.
CSP Robin Jain and other senior police officials arrived on the scene to control the situation and begin the investigation. Authorities confirmed that the driver is absconding, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest him. Preliminary findings suggest overspeeding and tire failure as the main causes.
The accident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter road safety regulations and better protection for pedestrians, especially during religious events when highways are used by large groups of devotees. Police have assured that a fair investigation will be conducted and legal action taken against the responsible individual.
As the villagers of Chak mourn the loss of four of their own, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. The local administration has promised support to the grieving families, including possible compensation.
This tragic accident emphasizes the importance of responsible driving, better road infrastructure, and increased awareness to ensure that religious faith and devotion do not end in sorrow.
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