Fresh outbreak of communal violence in Muzaffarnagar; 3 dead, 1 injured, 8 arrested

Three persons were tonight killed in fresh outbreak of communal violence in Budhana area of Muzaffarnagar district, hit by riots last month which had left over 60 dead, prompting the authorities to beef up security and arrest eight accused.

The three victims, identified as Afroz, 20, Meherban, 21, and Ajmal, 22, were beaten to death while another was injured in clashes between members of two communities in Muhammadpurraisingh village, District Magistrate Kaushal Raj told PTI.

The incident appeared to be the fallout of the communal tension in the region. Muhammadpurraisingh village was one of places affected by the riots last month.

Residents of Muhammadpurraisingh clashed with people belonging to Hussainpur village that led to death of three youths, according to sources.

Though the two villages are at a distance of a kilometre, their agricultural fields are situated nearby, sources said, adding some people spread rumours that five persons were planning to attack members of a community residing in Muhammadpurraisingh village.

Sources claimed that while three persons were killed in the incident, two others managed to escape.

Eight persons have been arrested and efforts are underway to nab others involved in the incident, the DM said.

Sources claimed that the victims were among those staying in relief camps after the recent riots.

Senior police officials, including the SSP, have camped in the area to prevent any further untoward incident.