Violence after Uttar Pradesh gang rape victim dies

Mob violence erupted in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday following the death of a woman who was gang-raped and burnt alive by her attackers on Monday, police said.

As the mob threw stones, damaged passing vehicles and torched roadside shops, police resorted to cane charge and fired blanks in the air to disperse the unruly elements.

A married woman, 26, was raped by a gang of three men in Sikandararau village on Monday and then set on fire by her attackers.

She died on Monday night after which her family, relatives and neighbours resorted to violence, raising anti-police and anti-government slogans.

The villagers were particularly angry because none of the rapists has been arrested yet.

They also kept the body on the road and blocked traffic. When police reached the spot, they were pelted with stones.

Clearly outnumbered, police rushed in reinforcements, an official said.

After a lot of effort, the situation was brought under control. Two people were arrested for the violence while over a dozen others were named in the FIR. Police are trying to find them as they escaped from the scene.

Owing to tension in the village, a heavy police contingent has been deployed to prevent any further violence.