Two brothers were allegedly lynched after they fired in the air at a religious programme in West Bengal’s Malda district, the police told PTI on Saturday. No arrest has been made yet.

The incident took place on Friday after Sadikul Sheikh fired three to four shots in the air to stop the function at Kaliachak block in Sujapur village, reported Anandabazaar Patrika. The situation turned violent after the audience caught him and his brother Sariful Sheikh. They beat the two up severely, after which both died on the spot, the police said. Their house was also partly charred after the mob set it on fire.

The two brothers were allegedly involved in extortion and anti-social activities, the police claimed. Sadikul Sheikh was released from jail on Thursday, according to Anandabazaar Patrika.

Tension prevailed in Kaliachak block on Saturday after local residents busted liquor rackets in the area. Officers were deployed in the locality to bring the situation under control.