Representational image: Photo: Rahi Gaikwad, The Hindu
Patna: At least three Muslim villagers were burned to death Sunday when their thatched huts were set on fire during a clash between Hindu and Muslim groups in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, a government official said.
Atul Prasad, a Bihar state administrator, said the violence erupted after the body of a young Hindu boy was found in Sarayian village more than a week after he went missing.
Prasad said Hindu fishermen blamed Muslims for killing the boy who was friendly with a Muslim girl from the village, 105 kilometers (65 miles) north of Patna, the capital of Bihar state.
The charred bodies of three Muslims were found in the burned huts in the poor community, he said.
Police arrested eight Hindu men, and Prasad said the situation remains tense but under control in the village.
As many as 400 policemen, including 40 police officers, were camping in the village to monitor the law and order situation which was tense, but under control, the SSP said. Kumar had gone missing from the village on January 9.
(With inputs from AP)
