On Friday, some devotees going on a pilgrimage to Shri Naina Devi from the city fell ill and unconscious after drinking cannabis on the way. After drinking cannabis, the devotees started vomiting and feeling dizzy, which created panic among the devotees. Some devotees were admitted to private hospitals in Cheema Mandi, Bhikhi and Mansa. They were discharged on Saturday afternoon after their health improved. Except for a few devotees, the rest of the devotees left for Shri Naina Devi again.
According to the information, on Friday morning, about 200 devotees of Shri Naina Devi Pedestrian Yatra left for Shri Naina Devi from the city like every year. While reaching near Bir Kalan from village Dhapai, someone made them drink cannabis on the way. After drinking cannabis, some devotees fell ill. They started vomiting and feeling dizzy. On reaching Cheema Mandi, they were immediately provided medical aid and when some devotees’ health deteriorated, they were admitted to a private hospital in the city. Who made the devotees drink Bhaang during the yatra? It is not yet known, but this incident put the group of devotees on foot in trouble. It is being told that these devotees travel in different groups in the form of a convoy for the pilgrimage of Shri Naina Devi. There were about 200 devotees in this yatra, but on the way, about two dozen devotees consumed Bhaang in the form of Prasad. Due to the high amount of intoxicant in it, their health deteriorated and some devotees had to return.
Shri Naina Devi Pad Yatra Mansa President Shivji Ram Tota said that the health of some devotees had deteriorated due to consumption of Bhaang on the way. After medical examination and treatment of all, they have resumed the pilgrimage. He said that except for a few devotees, the devotees who fell ill have again joined the pilgrimage and they will return after reaching Shri Naina Devi Bhawan after a few days. He said that now there is no danger or panic. Shivji Ram said that such things will be taken care of during the pilgrimage in future.
