Prophet row: 2 killed in Ranchi; curfew imposed, internet suspended
Two persons were killed and several others injured in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi where protests erupted on Friday over the controversial remarks made by now-suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma on Prophet Muhammad. The police fired in the air to disperse the stone-pelting crowd. Some also sustained bullet injuries in the incident. All internet services have been temporarily suspended in the city.
Why does this story matter?
The protests come days after the BJP suspended Nupur Sharma on Sunday following considerable criticism on social media, particularly from Gulf countries. A series of hashtags began trending and demands to boycott Indian goods gained steam. Meanwhile, India on Thursday reiterated that the controversial remarks made by Sharma and another BJP leader Naveen Kumar Jindal do not reflect the views of the government.
Ranchi: Vehicles torched, stones pelted after Friday prayers
After the Friday prayers, incidents of stone-pelting and torching of several vehicles, and vandalism were reported. The district administration imposed a curfew and suspended internet services. Anish Gupta, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Ranchi Police, said that the situation was a "little tense" but "under control." Those injured in the incident were taken to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences.
Protests in Punjab, West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
Sharma's controversial statements against the Prophet were received with outrage not only in Ranchi but also in several other places across India. Several states including Punjab, West Bengal, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh witnessed violent protests with incidents of stone-pelting on Friday. A huge crowd gathered outside Delhi's Jama Masjid on Friday was later brought under control after the police removed protesters from the site.
Protests in Lucknow, Prayagraj, Deoband
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur while businesses were forced to shut down. Protests were also reported in other cities of UP, including Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Deoband. Last week, there were clashes in Kanpur which left nearly 40 people injured. Authorities in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, however, claimed there were no reports of violence in any of the locations.
Stone-pelting in Howrah, national highway blocked, internet suspended
Protests were also held in Kolkata and Howrah, calling for Sharma's arrest. The protesters blocked the National Highway 116 connecting Howrah and the capital Kolkata and burned tires there. Stone-pelting was also reported from the area after which the police were forced to use tear gas shells. The internet services have been temporarily suspended in Howrah till 6:00 am on Monday.
Case filed against Sharma, Jindal, and others
On Thursday, the Delhi Police filed cases against Sharma and Jindal, among others, for inciting people. The action came after numerous Muslim-majority nations criticized India over statements made by both the BJP leaders. Another FIR was filed against 31 people, including All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and priest Yati Narsinghanand for allegedly spreading hate and hurting religious sentiments.
What exactly did Sharma say?
During a recent debate on the Gyanvapi Mosque row on a TV channel, Sharma stated because Muslims were insulting the Hindu faith by calling the unearthed Shivling a fountain, certain aspects of their religious scriptures can also be mocked. She allegedly made a mention of Prophet Muhammad's marriage to Aisha. Her remarks sparked uproar and sharp responses from numerous religious organizations and political parties.
