DHAKA: The spiral of violence triggered by killings last month spread to Muzaffarnagar’s far flung rural areas on Sunday, killing 16 more people, taking the number of those consumed by the conflagration to 27.

With more than 40 people injured, many critically, the toll could increase, officials said.

In his report to Centre, Uttar Pradesh governor BL Joshi has reportedly blamed state govt for failing to maintain peace in state.

SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav intervened and held meeting with officers along with chief minister Akhilesh Singh Yadav.

The Army staged flag marches in several places in the district, and thousands of anti-riot police personnel were deployed to restore order, but the odds of patrolling outlying villages came in the way of controlling the frenzy until 2pm, by which time much blood was shed.

At least 52 people have been arrested for the clashes that have been brewing since a boy was killed by two brothers in Kawal village on August 27 after he allegedly tried to molest their sister.

Source: TOI
BDST: 1014 HRS, SEP 09, 2013
SR/BSK