Amid raging controversy over the Haryana government’s direction to check biryani samples in Mewat for beef, a mob in neighbouring Palwal district set a truck ablaze on suspicion that it was carrying cow skin.
The police claimed that no one was injured and the truck driver and helper were safe in their custody.
Inspector General of Police (South Range) Mamta Singh told The Hindu that a mob set the truck on fire in Mandkola village around 9 p.m. on Saturday on suspicion of carrying something “related to the sentiments of the people”.
It was learned that the truck was coming from Hapur in Uttar Pradesh carrying parts of animals, such as bones and tails, and was on its way to a factory in Mewat that makes dog food.
“It seems that someone spread a rumour that the truck contained something related to the sentiments of the people. And it was set afire. Some drunkards were also found involved in it,” said Ms. Singh, adding that Palwal was a communally sensitive area.
The IGP said that police were deployed in the area in adequate number, in view of Bakr-Eid, and the situation was under control.
