Three Muslims burned alive in arson attack that ruined 20 homes in India with 14 arrests made
The arson attack occurred after the dead boy of a Hindu boy was found
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least three Muslims were burned to death in a village in India yesterday after their thatched huts were set on fire during a clash with Hindu groups, a government official said.
The violence erupted after the body of a 19-year-old Hindu boy was found in a rice field on Sunday more than a week after he went missing in Sarayian village, state administrator Atul Prasad of Bihar in north east India said.
Hindu fisherman blamed Muslims for killing the boy who was believed to have been in a relationship with a Muslim girl from the Ajitpur village in the Muzaffarpur district, Mr Prasad added.
The charred bodies of three people were found in two of many burned huts in the community, he said. Fourteen people have been arrested in connection with the arson attack, The Times of India reported.
Hindus make up more than 80% of the population and Muslims nearly 13% of the 1.2 billion people living in India. They largely live peacefully in various parts of the country, but there is occasional violence.
The government announced 5 lakhs (£5,313) to be compensated to the families of the victims with 1 lakh (£1,060) also to be given to each of the 20 households in the village whose homes were ruined.
District officials confirmed that the situations are under control, however soldiers have been deployed to the villages and nearby communities to maintain order.
Additional reporting by Associated Press
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments