India police crack down on protests against prophet remarks

• Families of Mudasir, 14, and Sahil Ansari, 19, confirm they were killed by police in Ranchi, Jharkhand State.
• Demonstrators were demanding arrest of two BJP leaders after derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad.
• A senior police officer was also injured, according to local media reports.

In Ranchi, Jharkhand State, two youths were killed as police shot shorts to disperse protesters protesting offensive remarks. Two teens were killed in rioting in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand; as police cracked down on nationwide protests against two leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party; making insulting statements about Prophet Muhammad (BJP).

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The families of Mudasir, 14, and Sahil Ansari, 19, verified their loved ones’ deaths; stating that police used excessive force on protesters who marched in Ranchi, Jharkhand’s capital; following congregational Friday prayers seeking the arrest of two BJP leaders.
After the protests turned violent, dozens of people were hurt. According to local media accounts; a top police officer in Ranchi was also hurt. According to a witness, the scene deteriorated after Hindus staged counter-protests.

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