Police have arrested four persons in connection with the death of a 25-year-old youth during a group clash that occurred at Khanpur near Roorkee on Monday. Meanwhile, his body was cremated amid tight security on Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Sokesh Chauhan who was from Dallawala village in Khanpur area. It is learnt that the clash occurred after he was hit by a two-wheeler on which three persons from  a neighbouring village were travelling. Chauhan was killed as two groups clashed.

According to reports, the three bike- borne men—Feroz, Shanter Ali and Karimuddin—from Dabki Kheda village were going to do fishing in a local river. The bike collided with the buffalo cart driven by Chauhan. It led to hot altercation and as the news of the fracas reached their respective villages the villagers from both assembled and a clash ensued. Chauhan was stabbed in his chest during the clash. He was rushed to a hospital in laksar where he succumbed. 

In view of the sensitive nature of the clash involving people of two communities, the district administration deployed a heavy police contingent to stop the situation from triggering further disturbances. Police have registered a case of murder and rioting under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code against eight persons on the complaint of Mangeram,  the father of the deceased.

“We have arrested four persons identified as  Karimuddin, Shanter Ali, Firoz and Israel  so far in connection with the incident,” said the in-charge Khanpur police station Bhagwan Mehar, adding that the cremation of the deceased was held peacefully under tight security on Tuesday .