Thousands protest after sectarian murder in India

Thousands of people protested in the Indian city of Udaipur following the murder of a Hindu tailor, with many calling for the two Muslim men accused of killing him to get the death penalty.

The two men said they attacked Kanhaiya Lal over his support for recent comments about Islam by a member of India's ruling Hindu nationalist party that sparked anger across the Muslim world.

They were arrested shortly afterwards and are being investigated under anti-terrorism legislation, with media reports saying one of them was in contact with extremist groups in Pakistan.

Fearing sectarian violence, authorities have imposed a curfew in Udaipur and cut mobile internet access across the western city and elsewhere in Rajasthan state.

Hundreds of extra police were deployed.

Demonstrations organised by Hindu groups saw several people throw stones, chant slogans and call for the two accused to be executed.

A viral video that appears to depict Tuesday's murder, the veracity of which has not been confirmed, shows the two men attack Lal in his shop with large knives. 

The remarks about the Prophet Mohammed by BJP spokeswoman Nupur Sharma in late May sparked protests that turned violent in some parts of India and demonstrations across the Islamic world.

She was sacked by the party after her comments, which prompted the governments of nearly 20 countries to summon their Indian envoys to express their displeasure.