‘Situation Calm, Internet Restored’: Ranchi Police After 2 Killed Amid Violence

The police had fired gun shots to quell the protests in Ranchi on Friday evening.

At least two persons were reported dead in Jharkhand's Ranchi on Saturday morning, 11 June, in the aftermath of the clashes that broke out in the capital city on Friday evening.

(Photo: PTI)

A day after at least two persons succumbed to gunshot injuries in Jharkhand's Ranchi, in the aftermath of clashes that broke out in the city on Friday, 10 June, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SK Jha informed on Sunday, 12 June, that the situation is easing down in the city and that internet has been restored.

However, security has remained tight as Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is still in effect.

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind General Secretary Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi met the deputy inspector general of police (DIG), kin of the deceased, and the injured on Sunday.

Qasmi said that the government should help with the medical treatment of the injured and provide financial compensation to the kin of the deceased.

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind also appealed to the DIG to stop illegitimate arrests and stated that the police were involved in hitting the public.

"Facilities that were stopped have begun. 25 First Information Reports (FIRs) have yet been registered regarding the violence that happened. 22 have been identified by name and several others have been booked as unknowns," SSP Jha said, as per news agency ANI.

Further, Jha said, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to look into the violence, while it is being discussed whether to relax Section 144 of the CrPC.

"We're taking measures under confidence building, ensuring patrolling. We're monitoring all social media including WhatsApp. We're seeing uploads, downloads, hastags, statements. Any person trying to instigate violence will be booked," Jha said.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren had said on Saturday, 11 June, that a high-level committee comprising Disaster Management and Tourism Secretary Amitabh Kaushal and ADG Sanjay A Lathkar, has been constituted to probe the matter.

"The committee will find all aspects that led to yesterday's violence in Ranchi, and will submit its report in 7 days," the CMO had informed.

What Happened on Friday?

Protests over the controversial remarks against Prophet Muhammad made by two members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had erupted in Ranchi following Friday prayers. The police had subsequently fired shots to quell the protests.

Two critically injured people were brought to the state-run Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) with bullet injuries between 11:30 pm and midnight on Friday, and they died during the course of treatment, an official of the medical establishment was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

"One of the deceased, identified as Mohammad Mudassir Kaifi (15) had gunshot wounds on his head, while the other, identified as 24-year-old Mohammad Sahil, had received bullet injuries on his neck. Post-mortem reports stated that both died due to gunshot wounds. Both were residents of Ranchi," he said, adding that eight others were in the ICU.

Ranchi Police Superintendent Suffered Head Injury

Inspector General, Operations, Jharkhand Police, AV Homkar had earlier told The Quint, "Two civilians have died in the protest, which turned violent yesterday. One jawan also suffered bullet injuries and is being treated. The first priority is to bring all things back to normalcy."

Ranchi's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Surendra Kumar Jha has been admitted to a hospital with a head injury, officials had said.

Around 2,500 police personnel, including one IG rank and DIG rank officer each, six SP rank officers, 100 DSP rank officers besides two Rapid Action Force (RAF) battalions, were deployed in sensitive areas of Ranchi city.

Following the violence, the district administration of Ranchi had suspended internet services till 12 June. The administration had also imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in 12 police station limits and was scrutinising the CCTV footage.

CM Hemant Soren Condemns Incident, Appeals Not to Panic

Soren, while talking to the media on Saturday, requested people to not panic and refrain from participating in any activity which might worsen the situation.

"I suddenly received info about this worrisome incident... the public of Jharkhand has always been very tolerant and sensitive... there is no need to panic. I request to everyone to refrain from participating in any activities that will lead to more such incidents of crime."

Chief Minister Hemant Soren

Stone-Pelting, Arson, Firing in Ranchi on Friday

On Friday, protests had broken out in Ranchi near the Hanuman temple on the main road of the city, demanding the arrest of suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma over her offensive remarks against Prophet Muhammad.

The protesters took to the streets after Friday prayers, and reportedly pelted stones and raised slogans. Several shops and establishments also brought down their shutters to protest against Sharma's remarks. The police had resorted to lathicharge and fired shots in the air to disperse a mob.

A police officer also sustained a bullet injury and was admitted to the hospital. "As per initial reports, 11 police personnel and 12 protesters have been injured," Jharkhand Police said.

Communal violence and protests had also erupted in eight other states, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.