Parking Dispute Turns Violent During Kanwar Yatra; Four, Including Minor, Arrested in Delhi’s Mayur Vihar

What began as a spiritual pilgrimage took a dark and unexpected turn in East Delhi’s Mayur Vihar area this weekend, when a seemingly trivial parking issue exploded into a full-blown act of violence. The incident has left locals shocked and once again raised concerns about public safety during large religious gatherings like the Kanwar Yatra.

According to police sources and eyewitnesses, the confrontation occurred late Saturday night when a group of Kanwariyas — devotees participating in the annual Kanwar Yatra — became embroiled in a heated dispute over parking space. The situation quickly spiraled out of control and led to a brutal assault on a local man, leaving him critically injured.

The victim, a 24-year-old resident of the area, had allegedly asked the group not to block the narrow lane leading to residential houses with their vehicles and motorcycles. Instead of resolving the matter peacefully, an argument ensued, escalating rapidly into violence.

Within minutes, fists turned into weapons. According to officials, one of the accused pulled out a sharp object and attacked the man, targeting his chest and neck. Residents claim the attack was so sudden and intense that it left no time for bystanders to intervene.

The injured man was immediately rushed to the nearby Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, where he continues to receive treatment. Doctors confirmed that his condition remains serious but stable.

Delhi Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the incident — including a minor — under serious charges, including attempt to murder. All the suspects are reportedly locals who had joined the Kanwar procession from neighboring areas.

This isn’t the first time that the Kanwar Yatra, a religious tradition followed by lakhs of devotees across northern India, has witnessed such confrontations. Over the years, there have been multiple reports of minor disputes — whether on the roads, in marketplaces, or near residential colonies — taking a violent turn. But this particular case has drawn extra attention due to the presence of a minor among the assailants, and the level of brutality involved.

Residents of Mayur Vihar Phase 1 have since voiced concerns about law and order, especially during high-volume religious events. “We respect all faiths and their practices,” said Mr. Rakesh Kumar, a resident of the locality, “but when someone uses a holy event as a cover to behave lawlessly, it endangers the entire community.”

Locals say there was a lack of adequate police presence during the evening, a time when the area typically sees a rise in Kanwar-related footfall. Authorities have now increased patrolling and are coordinating with community leaders to ensure such incidents don’t recur during the remainder of the Yatra season.

In a statement, a senior Delhi Police official condemned the act and assured the public that justice will be served. “Religious fervor cannot and will not be an excuse for violence. We’ve made arrests, and the investigation is ongoing. We’re also working with the juvenile justice board in the case of the minor,” he said.

The incident has sparked wider conversations around youth involvement in violence and the often unchecked aggression seen during mass religious events. Experts argue that while faith-based gatherings are vital for cultural continuity, there must be greater emphasis on discipline, civic responsibility, and lawful conduct.

As Delhi continues to host thousands of Kanwariyas in the coming days, the onus now lies equally on law enforcement, religious organizers, and the participants themselves to maintain peace and ensure that the sanctity of faith does not get overshadowed by flashes of uncontrolled rage.

For the victim’s family, however, the focus remains personal and immediate — their son is fighting for his life, and they’re hoping that justice doesn’t get lost in the chaos of devotion.