Extortion and Arson: Bareilly Shops Torched Amid Political Ties

Two shops in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly were set on fire after their owners allegedly refused to pay extortion money, local police reported.

Authorities have registered two FIRs against five people, including members of a political family, in connection with the arson attacks. The accused remain at large as police pursue legal action.

The incidents involved the brother duo Shashank and Mayank Verma and their associates, targeting Vishal Medical Store and Khatu Shyam Confectionery. The shop owners faced violent attacks, prompting a community response as villagers rushed to protect the victims.

(With inputs from agencies.)