As protests erupted in several cities and towns across the country on Friday against derogatory references to the Prophet made by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, two people were killed by bullets in Ranchi as police fired in the air to disperse the crowd pelting stones.
The protests turned violent in Delhi, UP, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Bihar, and Maharashtra. Internet services were suspended till 6 am on Saturday in Ranchi and 6 am on Monday in Howrah.
The protests came days after the remarks of Sharma and Jindal were criticised by over a dozen countries, including the Gulf nations, with India responding that they “do not reflect the views of the government.” Sharma has since been suspended and Jindal expelled from the BJP.
Ranchi picture: In Ranchi, the police fired in the air to disperse a gathering that pelted stones, injuring Ranchi SSP Surendra Jha, another officer, and a policeman.
Naushad Alam, SP Ranchi, stated, “Two of the protestors died.” The children, who have been admitted to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, have injuries caused due to stone-pelting as well as pellets. ”
Ajay Kumar, SSP Prayagraj, said, violence erupted within the Khuldabad police station limits when youths gathered on the streets long after the afternoon prayers had ended. “There were a lot of minors among them.” “We dispersed them with light force.” Even after this, people continued to gather in lanes and yell slogans. The force has suffered some minor injuries. “We have control of the situation,” Kumar said.
He also stated that “the Rapid Action Force and four PAC companies have been deployed.”” More troops will arrive from other districts. One rickshaw’s tyre caught fire, but it was quickly extinguished. There was also an attempt to set fire To a PAC vehicle. “Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.”
