Aligarh child murder: Security beefed up amid escalating tensions

Aligarh: Amid escalating tensions over the alleged murder of a 2.5 years old girl here, contingents of security forces were deployed and a flag march was carried out in the vicinity on Sunday to prevent any untoward incident from happening.

Over 8 companies of Rapid Action Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) along with police were deployed. Anti-riot vehicles also have been pressed into action.

Over the last two days, a message has been doing rounds on social media calling for a 'Mahapanchayat' in wake of the murder.

The police, however, claimed that the said gathering has been called off. "We have talked to prominent people of the society and they have expressed their satisfaction over the police action so far. The Mahapanchayat has been called off," Rural Superintendent of Police Manilal Patidar said.

"Nevertheless if some people do come here given they may not be aware of the latest development, we have made necessary arrangements to deal with them. We will not allow any untoward incident from taking place," he added.

He also negated reports of Muslim families migrating from the area.

Four people including main accused Zahid, his wife and associate Aslam have been arrested for abducting and killing the minor in a revenge crime over a financial dispute with her father. Victim's mutilated body was found in a garbage pile, police had said on Wednesday.

On Friday, Police in Uttar Pradesh constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the murder.