According to local Police officials, the mob carrying Durga Puja procession was issued a prior warning to avoid the Muslim-dominated area fearing the clashes to take place.

Taking the warning as an honor-issue, the mob became wild and violent.

To vent out the frustration, they found an oblivious 80-year-old Zainul Ansari returning from his daughter’s house. The mob brutally bet their soft-target with sticks and rods, and later burnt him alive.

The pictures and videos were reportedly spread by The Millat Times, and the Police officials issued a notice to the channel to take down the videos immediately in order to avoid the future clashes.

Unfortunately, the gruesome killing has been deliberately ignored by the media.

Internet has been suspended in the area to avoid any kind of rumor mongering and political-mileage.

Vikash Burman, Superintendent of Police Sitamarhi told media, “Ansari was not part of the two warring sides. He was likely targeted by the mob when he was in the locality.”

However, six FIRs have been filed so far and 38 criminals have been arrested. More arrests are yet to take place.

The four key-witnesses were Rafique, Azmat, Arif, Irshad. Arif and Irshad are Pehlu’s sons. Their lawyer said, they were heading to the court from neighbouring Haryana’s Jaisinghpur, when a black Scorpio SUV tried to overtake their Bolero.

The witnesses then headed to Alwar to file a police complaint.

When the witnesses did not pull over, the men inside the Scorpio opened fire upon them. The Scorpio did not have a registration plate.

“When we did not stop… the man in the back seat of the Scorpio fired at our Bolero, the bullet whizzed past the left side of our vehicle. We heard the sound of one shot… the Scorpio overtook us and so we turned back. We decided not to go ahead,” said Irshad’s complaint.

“We have recorded their complaint and are verifying the facts mentioned in it. We have also offered them police protection and an escort vehicle if required. We have assured the delegation that has met us today of complete security,” a police officer said.

In April last year, Pehlu Khan, 55, was beaten to death on suspicion of cattle smuggling. A group of attackers was seen grabbing Khan by the neck, bashing his head to the ground, kicking and punching him.

Police had arrested and charged nine men; all of whom are out on bail.