Religiously motivated riots in Bangalore killed 3 and injured dozens after a Facebook post about Muhammad sparked mob violence at a legislator's residence.
Key Facts
- Date
- Night of 11–12 August 2020
- Deaths
- 3 (shot by police)
- Police injured
- 30–80 policemen injured
- Arrests next day
- Over 100 people arrested
- Trigger
- Facebook post about Muhammad by legislator's nephew
- Locations affected
- KG Halli, DJ Halli police stations and legislator's residence
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A Facebook post about the Prophet Muhammad, allegedly shared by the nephew of Akhanda Srinivas Murthy, an Indian National Congress state legislator, angered a group of Muslims in Bangalore's KG Halli and DJ Halli areas, prompting them to gather in protest at the legislator's home.
On the night of 11–12 August 2020, the protest outside Murthy's residence turned violent. Mobs, reportedly including members of the Social Democratic Party of India, clashed with police around the legislator's house and the KG Halli and DJ Halli police stations. Police opened fire on the crowds, Murthy's property was torched, and 30–80 officers along with several journalists were injured.
Three people were killed by police gunfire and a curfew was imposed in affected areas. The following day, over 100 people were arrested, and several leaders of the Social Democratic Party of India were detained in connection with alleged incitement of the riots.
Political Outcome
Curfew imposed in affected areas; 3 killed by police; over 100 arrested including SDPI leaders