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Lucknow: A routine school drop-off turned into a frightening experience for several children on Monday morning after a school van was allegedly confronted by a group of Kanwariyas in Lucknow’s Chowk area. The incident, which took place near Charak Crossing, triggered outrage after videos showing the confrontation went viral on social media.
According to police, the incident occurred after the school van driver applied brakes due to rain, following which one of the motorcycles travelling behind the vehicle allegedly collided with it. A heated argument reportedly broke out between the van driver and the riders, after which some Kanwariyas allegedly damaged the van’s rear windshield and side mirror. No child was injured in the incident, but students inside the vehicle were reportedly left terrified.
Parents of the students said their children were shaken after the incident. One child reportedly told family members, “They hit the van,” while describing the tense moments.
The school van was carrying students of Emma Thompson School, Lalbagh, when the alleged confrontation took place. Parents have demanded strict action against those involved, saying that the situation could have turned dangerous as several children were inside the vehicle. A parent said that a complaint was submitted at Chowk police station seeking identification of the accused through CCTV footage and viral videos.
The incident occurred at Charak Crossing under Chowk police station limits. Police officials said that six youths travelling on three motorcycles were involved in the confrontation. According to the preliminary investigation, the motorcycle riders were believed to be Kanwariyas because of their attire and the presence of holy water containers used during the Kanwar Yatra.
Police said the riders allegedly struck the van’s rear portion and side mirror before leaving the spot. However, officials have denied claims that stones were thrown at the vehicle. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shubham Kumar said that the police had identified the registration numbers of the motorcycles through CCTV footage and videos circulating online.
The incident sparked a debate online after some social media users claimed that the school van was attacked with stones. Police officials, however, said the preliminary inquiry did not confirm stone-pelting. Chowk police station SHO Nagesh Upadhyay said that the van driver had suddenly braked because of rain, following which one motorcycle hit the vehicle from behind. The collision led to an argument, during which the van was allegedly damaged. He added that no student suffered injuries in the incident.
The children’s families alleged that when the van driver approached the police station initially, there was a delay in registering their complaint. Parents also claimed that officers questioned the documents of the school van instead of immediately acting against those responsible. Police officials have not commented in detail on these allegations but said that legal action would follow after identifying the accused.
A video circulating on social media shows a woman claiming to be an eyewitness alleging that a group of people intentionally attacked the vehicle and used abusive language during the confrontation. The police said they are examining all available videos and CCTV footage to establish the sequence of events.
Lucknow Police said a case will be registered against those found responsible after verification of facts. Officials are also investigating the exact circumstances that led to the confrontation.
