Kanwarias allegedly damaged a PAC patrol vehicle and blocked the National Highway 58 for several hours near Daurala town on Friday night after a PAC vehicle hit two Kanwarias on a motorbike.

The situation was later brought under control by the police though the Kanwarias also engaged in a scuffle with cops who had gone there to control the situation.

The injured Kanwarias were admitted to the district hospital and their condition is stated to be stable. The police have informed the family members of the Kanwarias.

SP (City) Ranvijay Singh claimed that the situation is now under control. The injured, Dinesh and Jogendra, hail from Chobla village of Jani area of Meerut district.

The two were riding a motorbike on Friday night near Validpur village of Daurala area when it collided with a patrol vehicle of PAC coming from opposite direction. The duo had started for Haridwar from their village Chobla to collect Kanwars.

While the two sustained serious injuries, the cops on duty allegedly left the accident spot in haste as they were surrounded by a crowed of angry Kanwarias.

In a fit of rage the Kanwarias overturned the vehicle and damaged it while making an unsuccessful attempt to set it on fire.

Realising of the gravity of the situation and avert an escalation of violence, SP (city) Ranvijay Singh and SP ( Rural) Rajesh Kumar rushed to the spot with heavy force. They sent the injured Kanwarias to district hospital for treatment and tried to control the situation.

Angry Kanwarias were demanding action against the cops and lifted the blockade only after repeated request of the officials. They were assured that such incidents would not be repeated. They also promised action against the errant cops.

Meanwhile the SP (City) said that instructions have been issued to the on-duty force telling them that no one other than Kanwarias are allowed to enter the Kanwaria lane and all cuts on roads should be closed to protect mingling of local traffic with the Kanwarias.

Thousands of Kanwarias have taken the NH-58 for the annual Kanwar Yatra which will conclude on 9 August on the occasion of Shivratri.