Houses set afire after missing man's body found near lady

A mob set fire to around 10 houses at a village in Purba Medinipur district after the body of a missing youth was found floating in a pond Friday, police said.

The affected houses included the residence of a woman with whom the deceased youth was romantically involved.

The youth and the woman, belonging to different communities, were residents of Srirampur village, and their families were opposed to the relationship, police said.

The youth had gone missing on Wednesday and his family lodged a police report.

His body was found in a pond near the woman's house Friday morning, though her family members were nowhere to be seen, police said.

Enraged, members of the youth's community put up a road blockade, set fire to 10 houses belonging to the woman and members of her community, police said.

Fire Brigade personnel doused the fire and the police brought the situation under control using force.

Six persons were arrested in connection with the arson and a police picket was posted in the village.

The youth's community had also blockaded a road for several hours Thursday alleging that the police failed to trace him.