Karnal: Around ten copies of Holy Quran were allegedly burnt down by unidentified miscreants, sparking tension in the industrial city of Panipat in Haryana.
According to a report published in Hindustan Times, Irfan Ali from Panipat on Tuesday said that 10 to12 copies of the holy book were found missing on Monday from a shop hired by Muslims living near Kutani road for community recitation of the holy book.
The set was allegedly found burnt in a tandoor kept at an adjacent dhabha.
Later, when the dhabha owner came, he found fire in the tandoor outside. He, on sifting through the ashes found traces of the Holy Quran in a burnt condition.
On Thursday, a local named Ram Singh in an inebriated condition quarrelled with some Muslims and had threatened them, said Irfan adding that the community had not pointed a direct finger at any person for hurting its sentiments.
“We had duly registered the incident of verbal duel and it is up to the police to verify if Singh had any direct or indirect role behind the crime. But it is a matter of fact that Ram Singh was providing free water service to the Muslim gathering before our prayers,” said Ali.
Muslims gathered at Panipat secretariat and demanded strict action against those accountable for the act.
Deputy Commissioner Sameer Pal Srow assureda strict action against the offenders and appealed to all sections of the society to maintain harmony.