Communal Tension Grips Udaipur As Class 10 Student Stabs Schoolmate, Internet Suspended For 24 Hours

Communal tensions gripped the Madhuban area of Rajasthan’s Udaipur on Friday after a Class 10 student was stabbed by a fellow student at a government-run school, officials said. As the tension escalated in the evening, markets were shut in Bapu Bazar, Hathipole, Ghanta Ghar, Chetak Circle and nearby areas. Prohibitory orders including Section 144 was imposed in the city. In view of the situation, the district administration issued an order to shut down the internet for the next 24 hours from 10 pm tonight.

It was not immediately known what led to the stabbing at the government school located at Bhattiyani Chohatta area.

The victim, who is now in a stable condition in a hospital ICU, was falsely rumoured who have lost his life in the incident. Following the rumours, arson and vandalism reportedly erupted across multiple locations in the city, with several vehicles set on fire. In response to the violence, Section 144 was imposed in Udaipur to prevent further disturbances and ensure public safety. The authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.

According to District Collector Arvind Poswal, the injured student was currently in a stable condition in the ICU. The accused, along with his father, has been arrested. Poswal urged residents to avoid spreading rumours and reassured the public that the situation was being closely monitored.

The incident took place at the Government Higher Secondary School in the Surajpol police station area, where one student repeatedly stabbed another in the thigh with a knife. The injured student was promptly taken to MB Hospital by a school teacher. Following the incident, the District Education Officer and Surajpol police station officials arrived at the scene. The school was gripped by panic as misinformation about the student’s death spread rapidly.

The false rumour of the child’s death led to widespread anger among local residents who gathered at the hospital demanding strict action. The unrest also prompted the closure of markets in the city. Authorities are investigating the cause of the dispute between the two students. Soon after the incident, members of several Hindu outfits gathered in the Madhuban area and set fire to at least three cars parked in a garage and indulged in stone pelting.

In response to escalating unrest, additional police officials were deployed to the scene, including IPS Rajendra Prasad Goyal, who was working to restore order. The Police Headquarters in Jaipur closely monitored the situation. Director General of Police (DGP) UR Sahu and Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order Vishal Bansal were in contact with Udaipur Range officers, instructing them to contain the situation swiftly. They were directed to take action against those exacerbating the unrest. The DGP urged the public to ignore any messages or rumours that could further disrupt communal harmony.

Despite these efforts, tensions remain high in Udaipur. Late on Thursday night, clashes were reported between two groups in the Aiyad area, and instances of stone pelting were also reported. The police responded with force, dispersing the crowds and maintaining a heavy presence to ensure stability.