Chaos On Delhi Streets As Kanwariyas Flout Rules; Cops Say 'Our Hands Are Tied'

Last Updated:July 23, 2025, 17:24 IST

Residents across several areas said they felt unsafe and claimed police were deliberately avoiding action against the devotees

Vehicles stuck in traffic jam due to movement of 'Kanwariyas' on the eve of conclusion of the 'Kanwar Yatra' during the holy month of 'Shravan', on the Delhi- Haridwar Expressway. (PTI photo)

Residents in Delhi have alleged police inaction as large groups of Kanwariyas flouted traffic and noise rules during the Kanwar Yatra, causing widespread disruption and discomfort across the city.

Despite multiple complaints from locals about loud music, traffic blockages, and unruly behaviour, especially during late hours, Delhi Police did not register a single FIR against Kanwariyas since Friday.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, residents across several areas said they felt unsafe and claimed police were deliberately avoiding action against the devotees. Complaints ranged from blaring boomboxes playing past 10pm to groups occupying parks and roads, with police allegedly choosing to look the other way.

“We have been asked by the top bosses to not take any strict action against kanwars. There is nothing we can do except politely ask them to adhere to the laws. Mostly, they don’t but our hands are tied," said an assistant sub-inspector posted in South Delhi.

A senior police officer said they had received nearly 250 complaints between Friday and Wednesday.

Only a few minor cases were registered before the Yatra officially began on Friday, some of which involved people getting seriously injured. During the main days of the procession, no official cases were filed.

Several residents said they had to change their daily behaviour to avoid any conflict. “I didn’t wear shorts in my locality while walking because some groups of kanwars were entering our locality to sit in our park. I felt extremely uncomfortable. Most of them were smoking," said a 28-year-old woman living near Apsara Border in Shahdara.

Others shared their concerns about returning home late. “My shift in the Gurugram office ends at 9:30pm. I usually reach home by 11:30pm and mine is the last stop. The last few days, I felt so uneasy and uncomfortable even when the driver and security guard were with me because these people are huge in numbers. I was worried something untoward wouldn’t happen," said Shweta Arora, a resident of Kirti Nagar.

Reports of violence were also recorded. “The kanwariya who was touched by the vehicle wasn’t even carrying the holy water. He was only walking but still they all got together and broke the cab’s front view mirror. Three-four of us saved the cab driver from being beaten up. Police was called but they didn’t take any action," said Pritam Pal Singh, a 55-year-old auto driver.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday had praised the arrangements made for the Yatra. She said grants were given to 374 Kanwar committees and that camps had been equipped with health services, electricity, toilets, and cleaning staff. She also announced that five lakh Kanwariyas would receive jute bags and Ganga water pails to promote eco-friendly practices.

The Kanwar Yatra, which ended on July 23, involves devotees of Lord Shiva fetching holy water from the Ganges and offering it at local temples during the Shravan month.

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