A Muslim man was beaten to death by a mob in Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, after rumours spread that his family had consumed beef.
Mohammad Akhlaq, 50, who was a farm worker, was beaten to death with bricks while his son was also attacked on Monday night. The police have arrested six people.
The man's family claimed that they did not eat beef and only had mutton in their house. The police have reportedly sent the meat for forensic testing, The Indian Express reported.
The incident took place 45 kilometers from Delhi and the rumour was first announced at a town temple, the report said. The temple priest was detained for questioning and later released.
"Some locals spread rumours that Akhlaq had cow meat at his home and engaged in cow-slaughtering. Following the rumours, tension ignited and some locals attacked his home in Bisara village," Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate NP Singh told the newspaper.
According to the family, more than 100 people barged into the house and attacked the father and son. The 22-year-old is critical following the attack.
Ten people have been charged with rioting and murder.
The incident led to communal tension in the area, and many villagers protested the arrest of six people. The clashes led the police to open fire, which reportedly injured a man.
