The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested five men in Auraiya district for allegedly stabbing two monks to death and injuring another inside a temple, NDTV reported on Saturday. Four other accused are still absconding.

The killings took place on August 15, triggering mob violence. Enraged at the murders, a mob set shops ablaze and pelted stones, leading to heavy police presence in the area.

The arrests come after Chief Minister Adityanath gave the police time till Sunday to crack the case. Auraiya Station House Officer Akhilesh Mishra has been suspended for negligence. Around a dozen police teams were formed to investigate the murders. Special surveillance teams were sent to Auraiya from Kanpur to help the local police, reported NDTV.

The five accused have admitted to killing the priests for objecting against cow slaughtering incidents, India Today reported quoting the police. The deceased were identified as Lajja Ram, 65, and Halke Ram, 53, residents of Bakewar in Etawah city. Another monk, Ramsharan, 56, was seriously wounded.