Two dead, several injured after protests in Ranchi over remarks on prophet turn violent

Ranchi: At least two persons allegedly died and over 10 sustained severe injuries after police opened fire in Ranchi to quell protests against suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma's remarks on Prophet Muhammad.

Authorities at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences confirmed that two people brought to the hospital after the protesters clashed with police have succumbed to their injuries. Ten others were being treated at the hospital, they said.

Thousands of Muslims had gathered at the Ranchi Main Road near Daily Market on Friday, June 10 demanding the arrest of Nupur Sharma whose remarks on Prophet Muhammad have kicked up a storm.

As per a PTI report, the police fired in air and also had to resort to lathi-charge to control the mob that spilled out on the road after Friday prayers and pelted stones and shouted slogans.

According to police, the agitation has been continuing since morning and picked up tempo after the Friday prayers. Several shops and establishments kept their shutters closed in protest against the remarks.

Several parts of the Jharkhand capital were put under curfew after protesters clashed with police yesterday.

The heavy force has been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incidents. Many shops in the city also remained closed to protest against the remarks.

The violence in the Jharkhand capital broke out on a day several cities across at least nine states witnessed huge protests over the BJP leader's remarks.

City police chief Anshuman Kumar confirmed that two people died of gunshot injuries. "Eight rioters and four policemen have been injured. They are being treated at RIMS and other hospitals. We will first identify those involved in the violence, question them, and then arrest them," he said.

"The situation is under control. Restrictions are in place in the affected areas," he added.