3 killed in fresh communal violence in Muzaffarnagar

Three persons were on Wednesday killed in a fresh outbreak of communal violence in the Budhana area of this district, hit by riots last month which had left over 60 dead. Eight people have been arrested.

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

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

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

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

Residing in Muhammadpurraisingh village.were planning to attack members of a community residing in Muhammadpurraisingh village, 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.