Protests over Prophet remark: 60 arrested as Bengal on boil, SIT to probe Ranchi violence | Top Points

A wave of fresh violence was reported in West Bengal's Howrah on Saturday, while tension prevailed in several other parts of the country after Friday's protests against controversial remarks on the Prophet. Authorities suspended the Internet and tightened security in the affected areas as they cracked down on protesters.

Tension prevailed in several parts of the country after violent protests erupted on Friday against the allegedly inflammatory remarks on Prophet Muhammad made by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

While clashes claimed two lives in Jharkhand’s Ranchi, West Bengal’s Howrah remained on the boil as protesters went on a rampage, setting fire to houses and vandalising property, and skirmished with police.

Police crackdown was swift in the wake of the violence. Over 200 people were arrested in Uttar Pradesh alone, while the West Bengal Police apprehended 60 in connection with the raging protests. Cases were also registered in Delhi, Maharashtra and other states where people held massive demonstrations after Friday prayers demanding Nupur Sharma’s arrest.

A wave of fresh 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 that deal with rioting, attempt to murder and causing damage to public properties, police said.

Bengal's Howrah on the boil.Watch this report by India Today's @Suryavachan#ITVideo #ProphetRemarkRow #RE pic.twitter.com/C0F2Uu3ygv