Massive security has been deployed in a village in Dadri town after a 50-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death and his son injured by a mob following rumours that their family was involved in the slaughter of a cow.
Tension prevailed in the area after around 200 persons attacked the residence of one Iqlakh after rumours spread in the village that a cow has been slaughtered on Monday night, police said today.
The mob allegedly beat Iqlakh to death while his son Danish was critically injured in the attack and is undergoing treatment at a hospital, they said.
There were also reports that trouble started on rumours that the victim had consumed beef. But there was no confirmation.
Giving details of the incident, Jaan Mohammad, a relative of the victim said, “An announcement was made at a local temple that a cow has been slaughtered here, following which a large number of people attacked our family.”
As the rumours spread, villagers blocked a highway in Bisrakh area yesterday demanding death penalty for those involved in the slaughter. When police tried to control the mob, clash ensued in which one person identified as Rahul Yadav was shot at.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sanjay Singh said that police has been deployed in the area and an FIR has been filed against 10 people for attacking the family, six of whom were arrested.
District Magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar N P Singh said there have been protests by villagers demanding action against those involved in the slaughter of a cow.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident, he said.
UP CM Akhilesh Yadav has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the victim.
He also instructed the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, Noida to provide full protection to the family of the victim.