Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: Over two dozen houses were burnt in a mob attack in Chhipaner in Sehore district in Madhya Pradesh.

The mob comprising more than 150 persons attacked the settlement, burning houses and shops.

Heavy police force including policemen from three districts have been deployed. The police officials say that they are keeping an eye on the situation.

According to police sources, trouble began when a girl went missing. Suspecting that youth belonging to minority community eloped with the girl, a strong mob gathered and later attacked the settlement.

Surprisingly, though there was tension since July 4, the local administration failed to see that tension was building up and that it could lead to such an attack.

The settlement that has houses of minority community were set afire. The victims' families left the area after the violence.

The local officials had called the fire tenders to control the fire, as the families had already left the area.

After the incident, police from three districts has been sent to Chhipaner. Top police officials have reached the spot.

Collector Tarun Pithore, SP Manish Kapuria along with senior officials reached Chhipaner and has urged residents to maintain peace.

UPDATE

Police officials said that the situation is now under control. District administration is assessing the extent of loss.

Those involved in the violence and arson are yet to be identified. The victims' families have approached the Superintendent of Police (SP) and narrated the turn of events.

Separate cases have been registered in connection with the violence. The police say that efforts are on to identify the attackers.