New Delhi: Two persons were killed in Ranchi after Friday prayers amid a violent demonstration against controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad made by suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled leader Naveen Jindal, news agencu ANI reported.
"Two people have succumbed to their injuries out of total injured who were brought to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) after the violence in Ranchi," RIMS authorities were quoted by ANI in its report.
"Sec 144 CrPC enforced in 12 PS areas of Ranchi. Situation under control, being monitored. Forces deployed. CCTV footage & videos are being scrutinized & necessary actions will be taken. Identification process is going on," Ranchi district admin said.
The demonstration that began after Friday prayers had become violent, with reports of stone-pelting, torching of multiple vehicles, and vandalism.
Many individuals were injured in yesterday's violent protests. The district government intervened quickly and issued a curfew in Ranchi's most violent sections, putting the situation under control.
In the aftermath of the city's demonstrations, all internet services in Ranchi were temporarily blocked till 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 11.
Despite being "a bit tense," Deputy Inspector General of Ranchi Police (DIG) Anish Gupta stated that the situation was "in control."
Following the fury voiced by different Gulf nations over the controversial statements made against the Prophet, the country has seen rallies in several areas, including Punjab, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
Protesters in Punjab have demanding the arrest of fired leaders, while stone-pelting and sloganeering have been reported following Friday prayers in Uttar Pradesh.
According to accounts, a major demonstration broke out at Delhi's Jama Masjid, which was eventually brought under control when demonstrators were escorted from the protest site by police.
Notably, a scandal occurred following Nupur Sharma's statements on minorities. Some Gulf countries have also expressed their displeasure.
However, India underlined on Thursday that the contentious statements about Prophet Mohammad do not reflect the views of the government and that action has been taken against individuals who made the comment.
Officials said on Thursday that the Delhi Police had registered two FIRs on Wednesday, one against former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and another against 31 people, including All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand, for allegedly spreading hatred and hurting religious sentiments.
(With Inputs From ANI)