Communal Riots in Muzaffarpur, 4 burnt to Death

Tension gripped a Bihar village Monday, a day after four people were burnt to death and 10 were injured when a mob torched over 40 houses in Muzaffarpur district after the body of an abducted youth was found, police said.

Preliminary probe suggests that clash in the village was the result of a love affair. A 20-year-old Hindu boy, Bhartendu Kumar, who eloped with a Muslim girl, was abducted and killed. That triggered the violence, as his family members and relatives along with other villagers attacked the minority community at Bhelwara Roopnath near Azizpur chowk under Saraiya police station of Muzaffarpur in Bihar.

The mob torched several houses in which four people were burnt to death and some injured. They also set ablaze vehicles. At least 14 people have been arrested in connection with the violence so far. CM Jitan Ram Manjhi rushed to the area to take stock of the situation. A probe has been ordered into the incident. The District Administration announced Rs 5.50 lakh for the families of each deceased.

Additional security forces have been deployed in the village and nearby areas to maintain law and order.