UP: Two priests stabbed, third's tongue cut, protesters demand justice
What's the story
Tensions flared in Uttar Pradesh's Auraiya district after two priests of an ancient temple in Kudarkot were brutally murdered and a third one critically injured.
Furious over the deaths, locals took to streets, pelted stones at police and attempted to set shops on fire.
The police cane-charged at the angry protesters, who were demanding arrests of the murderers.
Here's more about this.
Murders
Police claim priests were overpowered in sleep
The priests had been living at ancient Bhayanak Nath Shiv temple since long. Police claimed they were overpowered in their sleep.
The deceased, identified as 67-year-old Lajjaram and 60-year-old Halkeram were tied to cots and stabbed with sharp objects.
The tongue of a third priest, who had joined recently, was cut. The bodies were discovered on Wednesday morning.
Allegations
Priests opposed cow slaughter, locals say
Locals said the priests had been vocal about cow slaughter and that has a connection to their deaths.
They also said the temple's presence on a rugged terrain, amid forests, gave those involved in cattle trade an advantage.
The police are yet to confirm these claims. Inspector general of police, Kanpur, Alok Singh said investigation was underway.
Protests
Locals set tires ablaze, hurl them on streets
The protesters set tires on fire and hurled them on streets. Soon hundreds of people came on Kudarkot streets, demanding an arrest. To keep the crowd under control, the police cane-charged them.
An SHO and constable were suspended. Protesters were assured killers will be nabbed soon.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav announced Rs. 2 lakh to deceased's family, and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.