Protests have erupted in several parts of India demanding action against the now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, who found herself in hot waters over her derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad during a TV debate last month.

Protests erupted in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Punjab, Telangana, Maharashtra and West Bengal after Friday prayers at mosques. 

The hate message from Sharma not only raised calls for her arrest but also ignited more controversies, including one in which Kashmir-based YouTuber Faisal Wani was arrested for a questionable video.

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Wani was arrested by Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday for sharing a video depicting the beheading of Sharma. In the now-deleted video, Wani reportedly was seen bare-bodied and wielding a sword, which he used to behead a photo of Sharma. 

The YouTuber, who runs a fitness channel called Deep Pain Fitness, later apologized for his video.

“It [the video] went viral in no time. Yes, I made the video but I did not have any ill intentions. I deleted the video and I apologise if it hurt anyone,” the YouTuber had said earlier in the day.

Sharma’s comments led to global outrage earlier with many Arab countries. Qatar, Iran and Kuwait summoned India’s Ambassadors and over Sharma’s controversial remarks. The key Gulf nations expressed their strong protest and condemnation over the incident.

Spokespersons of the Indian Embassy in Qatar and Kuwait said that the Ambassadors “conveyed that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. These are the views of fringe elements.”

Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, handed a note to the Ambassador of the Republic of India welcoming the statement issued by the ruling party in India suspending Sharma. However, Qatar said it is expecting a public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the Government of India.

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“Strong action has already been taken against those who made the derogatory remarks,” the spokesperson of the Indian Embassy in Qatar said.

“In line with our civilisational heritage and strong cultural traditions of unity in diversity, Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions,” the official added.

Sharma and BJP Delhi media in-charge Naveen Kumar Jindal — who was expelled over similar controversial remarks about the Prophet — have been booked in Delhi for allegedly spreading “hate messages.”