A fact-finding report, released by rights group Anhad, has accused authorities of watching over sectarian clashes in Maharshtra’s Dhule, in which six youths, all of them Muslims, were killed in police firing on January 6.

Survivors said the police’s actions were biased against the minority community.

HT could not independently check with the state police for its version.

Apoorvanand, a Delhi University professor and member of the team, said eye-witnesses had testified that the police provided cover for a Hindu mob, which then plundered through a Muslim locality.

The mission was led by activist Shabnam Hashmi.

Nazneen, a local woman, alleged deputy SP Monika Rawat had “pressured her” to avoid helping a public inquiry.