A group of criminals allegedly attacked villagers who protested against power theft from a mosque in Malda district on Saturday night.

The accused not only attacked the homes of the protesters but also looted cash and jewellery and beat up five persons, including a woman, at Banutola village in Panchanandapur area under Mothabari police station, sources said.

Protesters have filed a police complaint. However, the protesters alleged that instead of nabbing the attackers, police on Sunday arrested two persons with the protesters.

Sources said some residents of Banutola village noticed on Saturday that some people were stealing electricity from the power connection of the mosque to run a pump and divert the water into a dry water body.

They brought the issue before the mosque authority and a meeting was convened.

When the accused were asked to pay penalty for illegally tapping electricity of the mosque, they reportedly got angry and attacked the houses of the protesters at night. Five persons identified as Salim Jahangir, Abdul Eahaman, Ataur Rahaman, Nurshed Ali and Iztanu Bibi were beaten up. Salim and Abdul were taken to Malda Medical College and Hospital and the other three to a rural hospital.

The injured alleged that the police did not take action against the attackers. They also filed a complaint with the WBSEDCL on the power theft.

On Sunday, two persons with the protesters were arrested, which prompted villagers to question the role of the police. Villagers decided to meet the Malda SP on Monday.

Police officers, when contacted, said they were probing into the case.