Kanwariyas assault man for objecting to lighting agarbatti at petrol pump

A group of Kanwariyas allegedly assaulted the son of a petrol pump owner in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor after he objected to them lighting incense sticks near fuel dispensers, with some of the accused later attempting to give the incident a communal colour.

A video of the assault went viral on social media, with claims that the man had “desecrated” their Kanwar, an allegation that police have since termed false.

According to officials, the incident occurred on February 10 when several Kanwariyas were camping at a petrol pump in Bijnor. During their halt, they began lighting agarbattis (incense sticks) as part of their worship. The petrol pump owner’s son reportedly asked them to stop, citing safety concerns over open flames at a fuel station.

The objection reportedly triggered an argument that quickly escalated into violence. Viral footage shows the young man being surrounded and beaten, desperately trying to shield himself as he is struck repeatedly.

While recording the incident, one of the accused is also heard falsely claiming that the victim was a Muslim, in what police believe was an attempt to communalise the situation.

The man was eventually rescued by a police officer present at the spot. He sustained serious injuries and was later admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Police said they are analysing the viral video to identify those involved in the assault. “No attempt of any kind was made to desecrate the Kanwar. The Kanwariyas were immediately persuaded and sent on their onward journey,” senior police officer Anjani Kumar said.

Officials also clarified that the petrol pump owner and his family belong to the Hindu community, dismissing the communal allegations as baseless.

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Based on inputs from Ritik Rajput