Tension prevailed in Sonkh town of the district as a group of people indulged in arson today after a girl of their community allegedly eloped with a boy of another community, officials said.
Markets in the area were partially closed as the rampaging group took out a procession and burnt some items taken out from a worship place, police said, adding they also burnt waste articles in front of the house of the boy with whom the girl, said to be in her teens, is alleged to have eloped on May 2.
A large number of police personnel along with one company of Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) has been deployed in the area to maintain peace, they said.
"Situation is tense but absolutely under control and hunt is on to nab the anti-social elements involved in arson," said District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar, who had reached the area.
"Efforts are on to recover the girl," Kumar added.
