Two arrested after religious book burnt in Meerut

Two persons were arrested today after a religious book was allegedly burnt at Subhash Chowk under Mawana police station area here.
Mawana police station in-charge Surendra Bhati said the incident occurred yesterday when some residents of the Kalyan Mohalla were having a bonfire at Subhash Chowk.
Suddenly, Tihai Muhalla residents Afroz (30), Rahbar Zaidi (27) and their friends, came and allegedly threw a religious book in the fire and fled to their home, Bhati said.
Agitated people allegedly attacked and started beating the accused, Bhati said adding the police arrived at the scene after getting information and rescued them.
He said the police registered cases against five persons, including Afroz and Rahbar.

The two were arrested and sent to jail, he said adding attempts are being made to nab other accused.

Meanwhile, Rahbar's brother, Arshad has filed cases against 10 named and 150 unnamed persons for allegedly attacking their home and beating the accused.
Based on initial investigations, Bhati said, Afroz is suspected to be a "drug addict" and his family had ousted him from home "few months back".
He had since been living in a mosque near his home, Bhati said.
Police and administrative officers have been camping in the sensitive areas and keeping a close eye on the situation.
Bhati said the situation is under control.