A 14-year-old Kanwariya devotee, Ankit Kumar, tragically died in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, after being run over by a tractor-trolley. The incident occurred on the Bareilly-Mathura Highway, within the Ujhani police station area, sparking outrage among fellow Kanwariyas.
According to police reports, Ankit, a resident of Bhagwanpur village under Bhuta police station in Bareilly, was part of a group returning from Kachla Ghat with Kanwar. The group had paused near the Butla Board area, parking their tractor-trolley on the roadside. Ankit was resting in front of the parked vehicle when tragedy struck.
Another tractor, driven by Lalla Babu, collided with the parked tractor-trolley from behind. The collision caused the parked trolley to roll forward, and its tyre ran over Ankit, resulting in his immediate death. Lalla Babu is reportedly a resident of Dawikhera village, under Nawabganj police station in Bareilly district.
Following the accident, enraged members of Ankit's group assaulted Lalla Babu and others in his group. They also set the DJ sound system on fire. More than six Kanwariyas sustained injuries in the clash and were taken to a medical college for treatment.
The incident led to significant disruption on the busy highway. Angered devotees reportedly torched the tractor-trolley involved in the accident.
Police are currently investigating the matter. The incident has heightened tensions in the area, with authorities working to maintain order and prevent further escalations.
