Lucknow, July 19 (IANS) A businessman's murder sparked violent protests in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Ambedkarnagar Tuesday as the locals targeted vehicles, public property and fought pitched battles with the police.

Agitated over the murder of K.L. Verma, whose body was found in a gunny bag recovered from a canal Tuesday, hundreds of people of Samanpur village blocked roads and clashed with the police when they prevented the villagers from holding demonstrations.

Police had to baton charge the villagers, who alleged that "negligence on part of some police officials" claimed Verma's life.

According to them, though the businessman went missing July 15, the police did not register any complaint and as a result no search operation was carried out.

"An inquiry has been initiated. Taking into account the protests, security in and around the village has been strengthened," Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar told reporters in Ambedkarnagar, 200 km from here.

"It appears Verma had been attacked by some sharp-edged weapons and his death took place around two days ago," he added.