An Imam in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, was forced to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' by 12 youths and taking swift action the police have registered a case assuring of strict actions against the accused.

Muzzafarnagar SP Shailesh Kumar Pandey on Sunday said, "Prima facie it seems to be a matter of physical assault. Even then, the police have registered a case against 12 youngsters on the basis of the cleric's complaint. Action will be taken against them on the basis of the probe."

"Imam Imlaq-ur-Rehman, a Muzaffarnagar resident, was going to his village on his motorcycle yesterday, when nearly 12 youngsters accosted him, beat him up and also pulled his beard," the SP further said adding that the Imam claimed he was also forced to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'.

"Rehman said that he was rescued by two people of his village when he raised an alarm. He also said that the youths told him to come to the village, only after shaving off his beard," The SP further said adding that the cause of beating up is yet to be known.

SP Pandey said the Imam had registered a similar case in Muzaffarnagar district, which was later found to be true.