New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS): Condemning the killing of a man over rumours of consuming beef in a Greater Noida village, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday appealed to the prime minister to take strict action against those involved in the incident.

The party also demanded sacking of Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma for his comments on the incident.

"Killing a man just on the rumours of eating beef is not only a heinous crime but also an attempt to shatter unity of the nation. We strongly condemn this act," AAP leader Ashutosh said at a press conference here.

Sharma had earlier told the media that the "incident should not be given political colour" and that it took place due to some "misunderstandings".

"Mahesh Sharma's statement over the incident is shameful. We (AAP) demand the prime minister sack him from the cabinet," Ashutosh said, hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Such a gruesome incident took place only a few km away from the national capital where the prime minister of the country lives and works," he said.

"The prime minister must take cognisance of this serious crime and take strict action against those involved in the incident. Action should also be taken against the ministers or leaders who are interfering in the investigation," he added.

He also said he would meet Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Governor Ram Naik over this incident and discuss the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the state.

On Monday midnight, 50-year-old Afzal, a resident of Bisara village in Greater Noida was allegedly dragged from his house and lynched for sacrificing a cow.