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A class 10 student was stabbed by a classmate at a government school in Rajasthan's Udaipur's Madhuban area on Friday, officials said, as communal tension spread. Markets in Bapu Bazar, Hathipole, Ghanta Ghar, Chetak Circle and nearby areas were closed as tension escalated in the evening. The city has implemented prohibition orders, including Section 144. It is not yet clear what caused the stabbing incident at the Patiani Johata district public school.
The victim, who was falsely rumored to have died in the incident, is currently in a stable condition in the hospital's intensive care unit. After the rumors spread, arson and vandalism reportedly broke out in various locations across the city, with several vehicles set on fire. In response to the violence, Udaipur imposed Section 144 to prevent further unrest and ensure public safety. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to District Collector Arvind Poswal, the injured student is currently in the intensive care unit and is in a stable condition. The accused and his father have been arrested. Bosvar urged residents to avoid spreading rumors and assured the public that the situation was being closely monitored.
The incident took place at the Government Higher Secondary School in Surajpore police station area, where a student stabbed another student on the thigh multiple times with a knife. The injured student was immediately taken to MB Hospital by the school teacher. After the incident, the district education officer and Surajpol police station officials rushed to the spot. Misinformation about the student's death quickly spread, sending the school into panic.
False rumors about the child's death sparked widespread outrage among local residents, who gathered at the hospital to demand strict action. The riots also shut down markets in the city. Authorities are investigating the cause of the altercation between the two students. Soon after the incident, members of several Hindu groups gathered in the Madhuban area, set fire to at least three cars parked in a garage and pelted stones.
In response to the escalating unrest, more police officers were deployed to the scene, including IPS Rajendra Prasad Goyal, who was working to restore order. The Jaipur Police Headquarters is closely monitoring the development. Director General of Police (DGP) UR Sahu and Additional Director General of Law and Order (ADG) Vishal Bansal contacted Udaipur range officials and directed them to quickly control the situation. They were directed to take action against those who were exacerbating the unrest. The Attorney General urges the public to ignore any information or rumors that may further undermine community harmony.
Despite these efforts, tensions remain high in Udaipur. Late on Thursday night, clashes were reported between two groups in the Aiyad area and stone-throwing incidents were also reported. Police responded with force, dispersing the crowd and maintaining a heavy police presence to ensure stability.
