Several policemen including a sub-inspector and a head constable also suffered injuries while resisting the protestors.

The situation remained tense in area near the Masuri police station  and a large number of Police personnel from Rapid Action Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary were deployed.

Police have already registered a case against unidentified persons in connection with the desecration of the holy book.

The violence reportedly triggered after some pages of the Quran was discovered on the railway tracks with abusive comments on them and a mobile number scribbled on its pages.

 Local people said that they went to nearby Masuri police station  to complain against it but the police did not take the matter seriously that infuriated the locals leading to violence in the area.

Eyewitness clai­med that the police delayed action, triggering the violence.

According to police, at 6.30pm on Friday, some locals reached the Masuri police station and demanded identification of the person to whom the mobile number belonged. By 8.30pm, the angry mob blocked NH-24 and started targeting vehicles and commuters. They also attacked the police station.

 District Magistrate Aparna Upadhyay and Senior Superintendent of Police Prashant Kumar said that six persons were killed in Friday ‘s incident besides 12 injured. A Sub Inspector and a Head Constable suffered serious injuries.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has termed the incident as unfortunate and has said that stern action will be taken against guilty officers.

The Chief Minister’s directed, Divisional Commissioner (Meerut) to conduct an inquiry.