Indian official says 3 Muslims burned to death after clash with Hindu fishermen

In this Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015 photo, the remains of burnt and ransacked huts still smolder in a village following a clash between two communities in a village, nearly 105 kilometers (65 miles) north of Patna, the Indian capital of Bihar state. At least four Muslims were burned to death Sunday when their thatched huts were set on fire during a clash between Hindu and Muslim groups in a village in eastern India, a government official said. (AP Photo/ Press Trust Of India) INDIA OUT (The Associated Press)

PATNA, India – A government official says at least three Muslims were burned to death when their thatched huts were set on fire during a clash between Hindu and Muslim groups in eastern India.

Atul Prasad, a Bihar state administrator, says the violence erupted Sunday after the body of a young Hindu boy was found in Sarayian village more than a week after he went missing.

Prasad says the Hindu fishermen community blamed the Muslims for the boy's death as he was friendly with a Muslim girl from the village, 105 kilometers (65 miles) north of Patna, the capital of Bihar state.

He says police have arrested eight Hindu villagers for setting fire to dozen huts in the poor Muslim community, adding the situation was now under control in the village.