Kanwariyas attacked by intoxicated men in UP's Barabanki, two detained

A group of kanwariyas was allegedly attacked by some intoxicated men in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh following a dispute late Sunday, police said.

Police said the incident occurred at around 11 pm near Chandoora village, and the situation was quickly brought under control. Two suspects have been taken into custody, it said.

The kanwariyas, after offering water at the Prasanna Nath Mahadev Temple, were walking from Bhagauli Tirth towards the Lodheswar Mahadev temple in Ramnagar, which is a traditional pilgrimage route followed during the Hindu month of Shravan (Sawan), dedicated to Lord Shiva.

There was an altercation between the kanwariyas and a group of men near a shop. As the pilgrims moved ahead, about six men intercepted them near a petrol station between the villages of Raipur and Chandoora and attacked them.

The Mohammadpur Khala police station is located close to the scene, and personnel responded promptly.

"There was a confrontation that escalated into a minor clash," said Circle Officer (Fatehpur) Jagat Ram Kanaujia.

"Two people have been taken into custody, and the Kanwar Yatra is continuing peacefully. No injuries have been reported," he added.

Sub-divisional Magistrate Kartikeya Singh said all pilgrims were safely escorted toward the Lodheswar Mahadev Temple under police protection.

One of the detained suspects, identified as Durgesh, was apparently intoxicated and is being questioned, he added.

It was not immediately known what the dispute that led to the clash was about.