Zoom News : Jun 12, 2022, 09:28 AM
Prophet Muhammad controversy | Tension prevailed in many parts of the country after former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma began violent protests on Friday against her alleged inflammatory remarks on Prophet Muhammad. Clashes claimed two lives in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, West Bengal's Howrah is boiling. The protesters created a ruckus. Houses were set on fire and properties vandalized. The miscreants also clashed with the police.In the wake of the violence, the police action has intensified. Over 200 people were arrested in Uttar Pradesh alone, while the West Bengal Police arrested 60 people in connection with the fierce protests. Cases were also registered in Delhi, Maharashtra and other states where people staged mass demonstrations after Friday prayers demanding the arrest of Nupur Sharma.West BengalFresh violence was reported in West Bengal's Howrah district, parts of Murshidabad district and South 24 Parganas on Saturday. At least 60 people were arrested and booked on charges of rioting, attempt to murder and damage to public properties, police said.In Howrah's Panchla Bazar area, a violent mob clashed with the police and they were pelted with stones, in which several jawans were injured. The mob torched several houses and vandalized the BJP office. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.internet shutdown till 13 juneInternet services were suspended in the entire Howrah district till June 13 and Section 144 of CrPC was imposed in many areas. Internet access was also banned in parts of Murshidabad to prevent the spread of misinformation.The West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights has issued a show cause notice to Maulvi Sanaullah Siddiqui of the Furfura Sharif family for the participation of children in his protest rally in Domjur, Howrah. It also directed the police to take appropriate action against those using minors for demonstrations.JharkhandA Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to probe the riots protests that took place in Jharkhand's Ranchi on Friday. Prohibitory orders remained in force in 12 police station areas and additional security forces were deployed. Meanwhile, internet services were restored in the violence-hit city on Sunday morning.Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has constituted a two-member committee comprising senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal and Additional Director General of Police Sanjay Latkar to probe the violence that killed two people and injured at least 24 people in Ranchi.Uttar PradeshThe Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested 237 people from different districts of the state in connection with Friday's violence. On June 3, there was protest and stone pelting on this issue in Kanpur. The Kanpur Development Authority on Saturday demolished a multi-storey building owned by a close associate of the prime accused.Despite prohibitory orders being imposed, a procession was taken out in support of Nupur Sharma in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. Police said no permission was taken for the procession and registered a case promising strict action against the organizers and participants.Pakistan guilty?Reacting to widespread protests in the country, Union Minister PS Patel accused Pakistan of creating unrest in India as it is jealous of its neighbour's rising prestige and stability. "Pakistan is jealous of India's development and peace. Creating a situation in which there is no conflict among diverse populations is a challenge and a matter of concern," he said.Owaisi condemns BJPOn the other hand, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused the BJP of shielding Nupur Sharma and reiterated the demand for her arrest, saying that the law should take its own course. He said, “Nupur Sharma is not being arrested. He should be arrested under the law. He has not been arrested for so long. Why don't you arrest him and take legal action against him? who is stopping you? Take action against him, arrest him as per law."