Jaipur: Udaipur witnessed communal tension and unrest today after a stabbing incident between two school students, leading to the imposition of Section 163 in the city.
Tension erupted after a student of Rajkiya Ucch Madhyamik Vidyalaya in Bhattiyani Chouhatta, stabbed another student with a knife on his knee at least three times and injured him seriously. The students, both 15 years of age, belong to different religions. The student who stabbed his classmate, initially fled but was later detained along with his father.
School Principal Isha Dharmavat said some time after lunch break, she heard students shrieking and rushed outside and saw a student stabbed and lying injured. The reason behind the fight could not be ascertained. The student was immediately rushed to the hospital.
She also said teachers were shocked as both the students are good in studies and have never indulged in any kind of quarrels or fights earlier.
Meanwhile, the injured student admitted to the Maharana Bhupal (MB) hospital, is getting treated by the doctors. Thousands of people gathered in front of the hospital as the news of the stabbing spread in the city.
Some people attacked a shopping mall and started pelting stones, damaging it. Some cars were damaged and deliberately inverted. Even some loading trucks were set on fire in the city.
There were reports of arson from different parts of the city as at least six cars parked in a garage were also set on fire. A nearby petrol pump came under the attack and the fire brigade had to be called in to douse the fire. Police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the hooligans.
Members of Hindu-affiliated organisations forced the closure of shops in Chetak Circle, Haathipol, Ashwini Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar and Ghantaghar area. Police have been deployed in all areas, especially sensitive areas.
Following the unrest and chaos, the administration imposed Section 163 in the city, which doesn’t allow a crowd of more than five people to congregate along with a ban on carrying arms, loudspeakers, communally sensitive slogans, posters or provocative messages on radio, TV or on social media.
Collector Arvind Poswal and SP Udaipur city Yogesh Goyal, visited the hospital and informed that the condition of the injured student is stable and situation is under control. He appealed to the public to remain calm and maintain peace and not get provoked by unconfirmed and unverified rumours. He also appealed to citizens to flag any such anti-social element who try to float unfounded rumours.
Udaipur MP Mannalal Rawat, MLAs Tarachand Jain, Phool Singh Meena reached the hospital and tried to pacify the angry crowd.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has asked for a report from the DGP and deputed his ministers to oversee the situation and maintain calm.