New Delhi: More than 20 people have been injured and undergoing treatment after violent clashes in parts of Jharkhand’s Ranchi during protests against now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma as she made objectionable remarks against Prophet Muhammad and Islam. The protesters in Ranchi were demanding an arrest of the lawyer-turned-politician, Nupur Sharma. Among them was a young man who was shot six times and is now recovering in the hospital.
Absar, a young man undergoing treatment at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) stated that he was returning from the market when he witnessed chaos and was hit by bullets. He said that he was returning from the market and was not participating in the protest when he noticed a group of people pelting stones while police firing in response. Further, he stated that he tried to get away but was shot and fell to the ground. He was shot six times and four bullets have been taken out but two are still there in his body.
The doctor stated that the rest of the bullets will be taken out in a few days.
Another man named Tabarak, who is getting treated at the hospital, claimed that he started running when he saw the sudden outbreak of chaos and got shot. He too stated that he was not participating in the protest.
The violence in Ranchi claimed the lives of two people whereas over 20 have been injured.
The Jharkhand government has set up a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to inquire about yesterday’s violence in Ranchi and probe all aspects of the incident. The committee has Amitabh Kaushal, a senior IAS officer, and Sanjay Latekarm an Additional Director General rank officer. They have to submit the report in seven days.
As per the authorities at RIMS, the two people brought to the hospital after the protester’s clash with police succumbed to their injuries.
Among the 22 injured, 10 are the policemen while rest are protesters, while three of the injured are in critical condition.
Moreover, several parts of Jharkhand’s capital were put under curfew after protesters clash with the police on Saturday. The police fired in the air and took to lathi-charge to control the mob after they started throwing stones.
A large crowd gathered at Ranchi’s Main Road raised slogans against Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal, the former head of the Delhi BJP’s media unit who was expelled by the party over his remarks.
