Six of a Muslim family burnt alive in south India

Rioters in southern India killed six members of a Muslim family by setting fire to their home after earlier clashes between Hindus and Muslims left four others dead and 15 injured in the same village, officials said on Sunday.

Tensions have been high in Vatoli village since Friday when violence and looting erupted between the two sides, leading to four deaths, said Andhra Pradesh state Home Minister K Jana Reddy.

“It is a beastly and barbaric act,” Reddy told reporters on Sunday. “Police are investigating the case and we will catch the culprits.” Three children, including a 2-year-old, were among the six burned to death, he said.

“Despite our repeated pleas and appeals, the government has failed to provide protection to the Muslims who live in remote areas and who have a very small population in those places,” said Asaduddin Owaisi, an Indian parliamentarian.