Udaipur, Rajasthan, faced a tense situation on Friday after communal violence erupted, leading to the suspension of internet services for 24 hours. The incident began with a reported assault on a Class 10 student by a classmate at a government school, triggering protests and escalating into widespread unrest.
Members of Hindu outfits gathered in the city’s Madhuban area to protest the assault, which quickly turned violent. The mob engaged in stone-pelting, setting fire to three or four vehicles, according to police reports. The situation worsened when a shopping mall was targeted, resulting in damage to shop entrances. Hundreds of individuals gathered outside a government hospital, prompting police intervention to disperse the crowd.
In response to the escalating tensions, authorities took swift action to minimize further damage and unrest. Markets including Bapu Bazar, Hathipole, Ghanta Ghar, Chetak Circle, and surrounding areas were closed by evening.
Udaipur District Collector Arvind Poswal confirmed the incident, stating that a complaint about a fight between two children had been filed earlier that day. He revealed that one child had been attacked with a knife, sustaining a deep wound. The injured child was immediately transported to the hospital and his condition was reported to be stable. The attacker and his father were subsequently arrested.
The incident sparked concern and drew attention from local leaders. Rajya Sabha MP Chunnilal Garasia, Lok Sabha MP Mannalal Rawat, MLAs Tarachand Jain and Phool Singh Meena, along with Divisional Commissioner Rajendra Bhatt, Collector Arvind Poswal, SP Yogesh Goyaland, and other public representatives held a meeting to address the situation.
The internet suspension aimed to curb the spread of misinformation and potentially provocative content during a sensitive time. The authorities have been working to restore order and ensure the safety of residents in the wake of this violent incident.
