After a video of an altercation during the Kanwar Yatra in Meerut went viral, the police clarified that it was a dispute between two Kanwariyas and that police personnel were not beaten up.
कावड़ियों का आतंक जारी, उत्तर प्रदेश में पुलिस की जीप से खींचकर कांवड़ियों ने पुलिसियों को पीटा! वायरल वीडियो पर पुलिस की सफाई
A video of an altercation that took place during the Kanwar Yatra in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, is rapidly going viral on social media. Following the video’s emergence, various claims began circulating. Some social media users alleged that a mob dragged police personnel—who were in plainclothes—out of a police jeep and assaulted them. However, the Meerut Police have categorically denied these claims, stating that, prima facie, the incident involved a dispute between two Kanwariyas and that the allegation of police personnel being assaulted is incorrect.
What does the viral video show?
The incident reportedly occurred on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway (NH-58) within the Daurala police station area of Meerut. The viral video shows a large crowd surrounding a police jeep. Amidst the commotion, the mob drags two individuals out of the vehicle and begins assaulting them. A uniformed police officer present at the scene is also seen attempting to restrain the crowd. During the assault, the clothes of both youths appear to be torn.
Further into the video, one of the youths is seen running towards the fields to escape the beating, but people chase after him and are seen thrashing him with sticks in the field as well. While being beaten, the victims are heard pleading over the phone, “Sir, please come quickly; we’re going to die.” Meanwhile, a voice from the crowd retorts, “Go ahead and call; you’re going to die anyway.”
Claims on social media and the police’s clarification
After the video went viral, various claims surfaced on social media. Some posts alleged that the individuals who were beaten were police personnel in plainclothes. There is also talk in some videos about setting the vehicle on fire. However, these claims have not been officially confirmed. The Meerut Police stated that many details circulating on social media are not based on facts and urged the public to avoid misleading information.
Meerut SP (City) Vinayak Gopal Bhonsle stated that the incident took place on the night of August 2–3. According to reports, one Kanwariya was on his way to fetch Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges) on a motorcycle, while the other was returning with the water from Haridwar. The two collided during the journey. Following the collision, an argument broke out between the two parties, which subsequently escalated into a scuffle. Upon receiving the information, the Daurala police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.
Police counsel both parties and let them proceed
According to the SP (City), the police brought both parties to the police station, where they underwent medical examinations. Afterward, both parties were counseled and allowed to proceed to their respective destinations. The police stated that since neither side filed a written complaint, no formal case was registered regarding the incident.
The Meerut Police reiterated that there is no truth to the claims circulating alongside the viral video—which suggest that a mob assaulted police personnel. According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate the incident was a dispute between two Kanwariyas. Officials stated that the situation in the area is now completely normal. Security arrangements have been tightened in view of the Kanwar Yatra, and additional police forces have been deployed at sensitive locations. The police have appealed to the public not to trust viral videos or messages on social media without verification and to refrain from sharing misleading information.
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