AT LEAST a dozen people, including a woman, sustained injuries when a group of Muslim men attacked a Dalit settlement in a village in Azamgarh district’s Jiyanpur area late Monday. While police have registered a case, heavy forces have been deployed in the area to maintain calm.

Police said some women from the Dalit basti were on their way to answer nature’s call around 8 pm in Basupar village when some Muslim youths allegedly made objectionable comments and indulged in eve-teasing.

“When the women raised an alarm, their relatives reached the spot. This led to an argument. However, things apparently were sorted out, as both sides left for their respective places. Later, over 10 people from the Muslim locality, armed with sticks, reached the Dalit settlement. They began beating up whoever came in their way,” said Senior Sub-Inspector Yogendra Bahadur Singh, in-charge of Jiyanpur police station.

The injured were taken to a nearby hospital and police were informed. The Dalit residents also reached the police station and raised slogans demanding action against the accused. PAC personnel and forces from other nearby police stations were rushed to the spot to prevent the situation from flaring up.

“A case has been registered against nine persons, including one Asif and others. All of them fled after the police reached the area. The situation is calm as of now,” said Singh.

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