A court here on Monday awarded a life term to Kameshwar Yadav, a prime accused in the Bhagalpur riots of 1989.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Arvind Madhav found Yadav guilty of firing and throwing bombs at 15 year-old Mohammad Qayyum at Assananpur in Bhagalpur on October 24, 1989 that claimed his life.

The judge held Yadav guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code besides Arms Act and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Quayum's father, Mohammad Naseeruddin, in an FIR lodged with the police on October 24, 1989 had stated that he had seen Yadav and other rioters gunning down his son, who was running for safety.

The case had been closed earlier as the police had submitted a final report citing insufficient evidence for continuing the investigation.

The situation in communally sensitive Tatarpur area of Bhagalpur turned tense as members of the two communities clashed after the judgement was delivered.

The situation in the locality is tense but under control, a senior police official said, adding security arrangements have been beefed up.