Riot hits Meerut, more than dozen people injured

The incident took place yesterday when an altercation broke out between local mosque Imam Ikrar Ahmed and Sandeep, a local resident, following which the latter and his three other aides attacked Ahmed and fled from the spot immediately, Deputy Inspector General J N Singh said.

Triggering a protest, miffed members from the community took to the streets, torched several commercial establishments and vehicles, he said adding, that the police rushed to the spot immediately and brought the situation under control.

"A case has been registered against the absconding five accused who were behind the attack on the Imam. We have also arrested 17 people for their involvement in the communal clash," Singh said.

He said that several police officials also sustained injuries as both the communities resorted to firing and stone pelting.

All the educational institutions, including schools and colleges were closed today as a part of precautionary measures, he said.