Indian Rapid Action Forces (RAF) have been deployed to keep the streets around DJ Halli under control after at least three people died in deadly riots over a Facebook post. When the nephew of Congressman R. Akhanda Srinvasa Murthy allegedly shared something derogatory about the Islamic Prophet Mohammed on social media, the post initially went viral. Many of those who were offended by it soon gathered in front of the legislator’s residence in Kaval Byrasandra, calling for the nephew – who reportedly claims he was hacked – to be arrested. When police refused to hand over the nephew, they were accused of protecting him. This quickly spun out of control, leading to three protesters being killed and more than 60 police suffering injuries. A police station was also attacked and local media reported that 200 vehicles were incinerated. Around 147 people have now been arrested. Three members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) – a political group linked to the Islamist Popular Front Of India – have been arrested on charges of rioting and inciting violence. India has invoked Section 144, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people.
Special forces cops deployed after deadly riots over Prophet post on Facebook
