Houses of Dalits set on fire in Bihar, 40 injured

At least 24 houses belonging to Dalits were set on fire by unknown people at Bishunpur in Bihar's Darbhanga district injuring 40 people, following a clash between rival groups, police said today.

"A group of people of Panchob village allegedly attacked a Dalit locality at Harchanda village late last night and set fire to the houses following an inter-caste marriage," superintendent of police Vikas Vaibhav said.

The injured were rushed to a hospital, he said.

A case has been registered against 98 people, Vaibhav said, adding, so far 45 of them have been arrested.

Elaborate security arrangement has been put in place in Harchanda village as a precautionary measure, the SP said.

Director general of police Neelmani described the situation in Harchanda village as under control and said that strict action will be taken against the culprits.