A local television journalist and five other people were killed Saturday in a communal clash in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district, police said.
Confirming the death of six people and injuries to 32 people, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) R.K. Vishwakarma told IANS that the journalist has been identified as Rajesh Verma of IBN-7.
Tension had gripped the area Aug 27 after two communities clashed over an alleged incident of molestation in which one person was killed and as a fall out, two others were subsequently lynched by a mob in Kaval area.
As tension grew, police had tried to intervene and even Director General of Police (DGP) Devraj Nagar had visited Muzaffarnagar Friday to take stock of the security arrangements in the area on the eve of a 'mahapanchayat'.
Additional police presence was also ensured to ward off any public protests or violence but too no avail as angry mobs Saturday pelted stones at police as they prevented them from gathering. There was exchange of fire in which six people, including the TV journalist, were killed.
"We are trying to gather information but we can confirm the death of six people," said Vishwakarma.
Curfew has since been clamped in three police station areas and police reinforcements are being rushed from neighbouring areas, an official said.