At least two houses belonging to Muslims were allegedly set on fire in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district on Monday after a Hindu man was reportedly shot dead on Sunday evening, police said.
Four people have been arrested in connection with the murder. A huge posse of policemen have been deployed at Palda village, where the two incidents took place, to avoid any flare-up, police added.
Providing details, superintendent of police (rural) Kamlesh Bahadur said 24-year-old Vishu was allegedly shot dead by two motorcycle-borne men on Sunday evening.
“His family alleged that he was murdered by some Muslim youngsters with whom he reportedly had an altercation during Holi,” Bahadur said.
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Tension erupted in the village on Monday morning when the deceased’s body arrived for the final rites after a post-mortem.
Speaking to news agency PTI, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rohit Singh Sajwan said that as 500-600 people arrived for Vishu’s funeral, “three-four youngsters” set fire to the houses of the people from the side of the accused, but the police present on the spot immediately chased them away.
{{/usCountry}}Speaking to news agency PTI, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rohit Singh Sajwan said that as 500-600 people arrived for Vishu’s funeral, “three-four youngsters” set fire to the houses of the people from the side of the accused, but the police present on the spot immediately chased them away.
{{/usCountry}}Those who attempted arson will be identified and a case registered against them, he said.
“The situation is under control. A senior policeman is camping in the village with a police team,” Bahadur said.
A case has been registered against five people in connection with the murder, police said. While four people have been arrested, efforts are on to trace the fifth person.