Violence in several cities, including Ranchi and Howrah, demanding arrest of Nupur Sharma

- Curfew in Ranchi, Jammu and Kashmir, Internet service shut down in Howrah

- Yogi government becomes aggressive in Uttar Pradesh, police arrest 130: Demonstrations remain peaceful in cities including Delhi

- Demonstrators blew in Howrah, police released teargas shells

- Stone throwing at Hanuman Temple in Ranchi

New Delhi: Violence erupted after Friday prayers in several cities, including Ranchi and Howrah, in protest of former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's insulting remarks about the Prophet Muhammad during the Gyanvapi Masjid controversy, while protests in many cities, including Delhi, remained peaceful. Protesters pelted stones at a Hanuman temple in Ranchi. Police opened fire to disperse the crowd. In Uttar Pradesh, police have arrested 150 rioters, while curfew has been imposed in Ranchi and Jammu and Kashmir and internet has been shut down in two cities. Violence in Howrah, Bengal also disrupted internet service till the 18th.

In a TV debate in Gyanvapi Masjid, former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's outrageous statement about Mohammad Paygambar and provocative tweets were followed by a large number of prayers in Delhi on Friday demanding arrest of both the leaders. He chanted slogans against Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal. A senior police official said the protests were peaceful and the mob had dispersed after chanting slogans for about 15-20 minutes.

But after Friday prayers in Rachhi, the protesting crowd got out of control. He pelted stones at the Hanuman temple located on the main road. Police had to shoot and lathi charge in the air to disperse the mob. Police officials said that Muslims had started demonstrations since morning, but after Friday prayers, the situation was stressed. Most shops and markets were closed following the protests. The mob, however, pelted police with stones, injuring several people. In protest of the violence, some people sat outside the Hanuman temple to read Hanuman Chalisa. Police announced curfew in some areas of Ranchi city to control the situation.

Demonstrations took place in several cities in Uttar Pradesh from Lucknow to Prayagraj in protest of Nupur Sharma's statement. In Prayagraj and Saharanpur, many people took to the streets after Friday prayers. He targeted the police. However, the police took immediate action against the protesters. Police have arrested a total of 150 people, including four in Saharanpur. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a high level meeting with senior officials. The government has said it will take stern action against those who take the law into their own hands.

Meanwhile, in Dhulagarh, Howrah, Bengal, protesters vandalized several vehicles. He also threw stones at the police. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. There was also a clash between the protesters and the police at the Howrah Sap Mode. Following the protests, the railway department had to cancel four trains in Howrah.

Meanwhile, there were protests in Jammu and Kashmir demanding the arrest of Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal. The government imposed a curfew in the area and called in troops to carry out a flag march as part of a vigil at a provocative speech at a mosque at the time. Internet service was also cut off in Kishtwar and Bhadravah. Police had initiated proceedings against Maulvi Adil Ganai for making provocative speeches. However, he apologized for the provocative speech. He said his speech was not against any society but against one person. Yet I apologize if I have hurt the spirit of a particular society.