A local unit of the Islamic Council of India led a protest in Purnea, Bihar, on Thursday condemning Hindu Mahasabha leader Kamlesh Tiwari’s derogatory remarks on Prophet Mohammed. The protest grew violent and the crowd ransacked the local police station, and set several vehicles on fire. Purnea District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Pal told PTI that an FIR was lodged against about 50 unidentified people.

The incident comes days after violent clashes disrupted life in Malda district in West Bengal during a protest for the same reason. Last month, Tiwari had allegedly said the Prophet was the first homosexual in the world and distributed pamphlets speaking against Muslims. Tiwari's actions came a day after Uttar Pradesh politician Azam Khan had called the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh homosexuals, according to The Indian Express.

On Thursday, Pal said that the local Baisi sub-divisional officer has been deputed to investigate the incident. India Today reported that the protestors had sought permission to hold a peaceful protest in Purnea, but that only a section of protestors turned violent. Local administration had made security arrangements for the procession but could not keep the crowd under control after it grew violent.