Remarks on Prophet: Violence breaks out in Ranchi, section 144 imposed, CM urges for calm

Ranchi: Violence broke out in the state capital during a protest march with the agitators resorting to stone-pelting over comments made on Prophet Mohammad a few days ago ousted BJP leader Nupur Sharma leaving a dozen including policemen injured. 

Following the brawl section 144 has been imposed from Sujata Chowk to Firayalal Chowk of the main road in the capital following the orders of Ranchi Sadar SDO Deepak Kumar Dubey. Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed his concern over the incident of violence on Main Road of the capital.

In his appeal to the people, Chief Minister said that the people of the Jharkhand have always been sensitive and tolerant and urged them not to lose patience. Ranchi DC Chhavi Ranjan also appealed to the people of Ranchi to maintain calm and not to believe in any kind of rumors and refrain from spreading one. “Do not believe in any news without the validation of the district administration. Please inform the nearest police station of any suspicious activity.” 

Earlier 12 people were injured with a few sustaining bullet injuries as the protesters indulged in stone-pelting and arsoning forcing the police to use tear gas shells and even fire in the air to disperse the trouble makers. During the brawl, stone-pelting was also done on Mahaveer Mandir on the main road in which people had taken shelter to protect themselves from the violence. Post the attack on the temple members of right-wing outfits also came on the roads.

During the incident, the rioters also attacked the vehicle of Bihar government Minister Nitin Naveen. He was somehow rescued by police and taken to a safe location. The mob also damaged the vehicle of Barkatha MLA Amit Yadav. Since the morning itself shops in the daily market and other areas were closed as the members of the Muslim community were opposing the comments made by Nupur Sharma. After the Namaz on Friday, the protesters gathered on the road.

As the police tried to stop them the people got agitated and clashed with the policemen and indulged in stone-pelting at Urdu Library and at the Mahaveer Mandir. It was also claimed that initial police deployment was far less. In the stone pelting Ranchi SSP Surendra Kumar Jha and City SP along with other jawans also sustained injuries. DIG Anish Gupta too reached on the spot.

To disperse the crowd tear gas shells were fired, a lathi charge was done and ultimately police was forced to fire in the air to disperse the crowd as despite arrangements of drone cameras and RAF the situation went out of control. All the injured have been taken to RIMS Ranchi for treatment. As per the district administration, doctors at RIMS are ensuring the best possible treatment to the injured.