A man, who, according to preliminary data, is mentally unbalanced, has set several Muslim religious books on fire at a mosque in Chegem villages, Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria Republic, RIA Novosti reported today morning, citing the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic (KBR). 

“The burning of religious book has taken place at a mosque in Chegem Vtoroy village.  On this fact, a resident of the village, a parishioner of the mosque, was detained for committing illegal acts,” says a statement released by the KBR Spiritual Directorate of Muslims. 

It is noted that the detainee explained his actions “by calling voices in his head”.  The issue of initiating a criminal case on this fact is being considered, according to RIA Novosti.  

The head of the Chegem district administration, Yura Borsov, confirmed the fact of the bunting of religious books; according to him, the fire was quickly extinguished.

“I draw your attention to the fact that there is no religious background in this incident,” Borsov added.  

The KBR Interior Ministry says the detainee is a 32-year-old man and he was in a state of disrepair.