Inter-group fighting in the hasidic village has allegedly escalated to arson and attempted murder.
There has apparently been another suspicious – and probably criminal – act committed in New Square.
DusIzNeias is reporting that a young yeshiva student tried to burn down a house early this morning in New Square.
The owner of the house is part of a dissident group that refuses to pray in the town's main synagogue due to differences with the Squarer Rebbe.
The implication is that the fire was set to 'avenge' the homeowner's traitorous behavior.
Four family members were home during the fire, including the homeowner Chaim Aaron Rottenberg, who was hospitalized with 3rd degree burns.
[Hat Tips: Abe and Burich.]
Update 11:40 am CST – It is arson and felonious assault. The homeowner has burns over 50% of his body, and the arsonist – who had some type of incendiary device, most probably a molotov cocktail – also has serious burns. Details here.