CALCUTTA, India – An angry mob set dozens of vehicles ablaze in riots after a radio host made derogatory comments about the winner of the popular television show “Indian Idol,” officials said Saturday. More than 60 people were injured.

The violence broke out Friday. Supporters of Prashant Tamang, the recent winner of the TV singing competition, took to the streets of the town of Siliguri in the eastern state of West Bengal to protest against what they perceived as a radio show host's ethnic slur against Tamang, said state police official R.J.S. Nalwa. Tamang is an Indian citizen of Nepalese origin.

The protesters apparently blocked a road and refused to let an ambulance carrying a patient pass, which led to clashes between Tamang's supporters and a group accompanying the ambulance, said Nalwa.

Police intervened, firing guns and tear gas and using batons in self-defense, said Nalwa. Twelve police officers were among the injured, he said.

Authorities imposed a curfew Friday in the area, which is located in the Darjeeling district about 354 miles north of Calcutta. In some areas, the curfew was still in effect Saturday, though police said the situation was under control.

In a message to his fans, Tamang called for peace, saying, “violence has no place in song or music.”