Agra: As tensions over Dadri lynching incident refuse to subside, a mob in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri on Friday almost lynched four men accused of killing and skinning a cow.

Violence broke out in the area after some people were allegedly caught slaughtering a cow. People in Nagaria village set police jeeps on fire and damaged several other vehicles as they were agitated over allegation of killing of a cow in the village, police said.

As the news spread, several people took to the streets. To control the situation, the administration along with police personnel deployed Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) contingent in the affected area.

It was alleged that a cow, which was grazing in a field near the village, was whisked away for slaughter and its skin was being removed in a house when some villagers barged in, the police said.

Sub-Divisinal Magistrate of Karhal, Vijay Pratap said it would be known only after post mortem if a cow was slaughtered as was being alleged by some persons, or the skin of a dead cow was being removed.

District Magistrate Chandrapal Singh said that two persons have been arrested and more arrests would follow.

The situation was under control and DIG, DM and SP were camping at Karhal with heavy police force.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav said attempts were being made to vitiate atmosphere in Karhal.

"Today, attempts are being made in Karhal (Mainpuri) to vitiate communal atmosphere. We are ensuring arrest of those involved in the incident," he said.

Mr Yadav also said that SP was fighting communal forces for a long time and would continue doing so.

After police rescued the accused, residents put the cow's carcass on a cart and blocked the road. Mainpuri is the pocket borough of the Samajwadi Party and its chief Mulayam Singh Yadav has represented it in the Lok Sabha many times.