the muslims were unable to communicate with the british officials as they were illiterate. so they tried to communicate to the officers through hand gestures that they would rather die than have their prayers disturbed. the hindus who were literate and could speak english, told the officers that the muslims wanted to kill them. blandy, misled, ordered the police to fire, killing 20 muslims and more wounded. other reports suggested a muslim speared a police officer.