Three kanwariyas lost their lives following a tragic incident involving a speeding vehicle on the Sirhind Highway in Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab, in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026. The collision reportedly occurred around 2 am, approximately 600-700 metres before Dada Motors, while the victims were returning from Gangotri Dham after participating in the annual Kanwar Yatra.

The deceased have been identified as Deepak Kumar, Mahinder Pal, and Jagdish Mittal, all residents of Kotkapura in Faridkot district. A fourth kanwariya sustained critical injuries in the accident and is receiving treatment at a private hospital. The incident has generated significant unrest among local devotees.

Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as devotees searched for the victims in the darkness following the collision. An eyewitness named Jagsir Singh stated he was walking behind the group when the speeding car struck the victims from behind. Singh alleges that the driver did not stop after the incident and continued driving over the kanwariyas before fleeing the site.

Community Response and Protests

The aftermath of the collision prompted immediate protests by fellow kanwariyas and local members of Shiv organisations, who gathered at the site demanding urgent action against the person responsible for the incident. The agitation underscored the community’s demand for justice for the deceased and their families.

Political leaders have also responded, with Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan visiting the accident site to express condolences. Sandhwan promised that strict legal action would be pursued against the driver. Additionally, he announced that the Punjab government would extend financial assistance to the bereaved families.

As the situation developed, local police took swift action, arriving promptly at the accident scene to conduct investigations. They moved the bodies to a mortuary and initiated legal proceedings related to the case. The police’s immediate focus is on identifying the driver and locating the vehicle involved in the collision.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have reported that the vehicle’s number plate was recovered from the crash site, having broken off during the impact. This piece of evidence is crucial as police work to trace the vehicle and apprehend the driver who has since fled. Investigating officer Tilak Raj expressed optimism that law enforcement would soon identify and arrest the absconding individual.

Meanwhile, the investigation continues, with police working diligently to gather more information about the vehicle’s owner and further evidence from witnesses. Community members remain hopeful for a resolution and justice for the families affected by this tragic incident.

The police are appealing to anyone with information related to the incident to come forward, emphasising the importance of community support in ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. As the investigation progresses, local officials remain in contact with the victims’ families, providing them with updates on the case.

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