Rajasthan: Communal Tension Grips Udaipur, Section 144 Imposed, Schools And Colleges To Remain Shut Today

In response to communal tension in Udaipur, internet services were suspended and Section 144 was imposed following a stabbing incident.

Police said a mob pelted stones and set three or four cars on fire. (Image: PTI)

Source : PTI

Udaipur News: Internet services have been suspended and Section 144 of CrPC imposed in Rajasthan's Udaipur amid communal tension which flared up after a Class 10 student stabbed a minor boy at a government-run school in the district. The district administration has also declared that all schools and colleges in the city will be closed on Saturday, August 17.

The decision to shut down internet services was taken in light of the law and order situation, according to the official notification issued by the administration. Divisional Commissioner Rajendra Bhatt said the internet was shut in Bedla, Badgaon, Balicha, Debari, Eklingpura, Kanpur, Dhikali and Bhuwana areas in Udaipur for 24 hours from 10 p.m. on Friday.

The time for restoration of services can also be extended as per the need, however, the lease line services will remain operational during this time, news agency IANS reported quoting sources.

The District Magistrate has also imposed a curfew and issued prohibitory orders to maintain law and order in the city. Most of the markets in the city remained closed on Saturday, with police teams monitoring the situation closely.

Meanwhile, teams of the Municipal Corporation reached the house of the accused Ayan Sheikh in Diwan Shah Ali Colony of  Udaipur. As per sources, the household goods were removed from the premises and the electricity connection was cut for the bulldozer action on the property. Security deployment was also increased in the area to prevent any law and order situation.

Why Communal Tension Erupted In Udaipur? 

Communal tension erupted in Udaipur on Friday after a Class 10 student of a government school stabbed another boy from the same institution in Bhattiyani Chohattal. It was not immediately known what led to the stabbing. However, soon members of some Hindu outfits gathered at Madhuban in the city to protest over the incident.

As the tension escalated in the evening, markets were shut in Bapu Bazar, Hathipole, Ghanta Ghar, Chetak Circle and nearby areas. Police said a mob pelted stones and set three or four cars on fire. They also ransacked a shopping mall, following which a large police force was deputed in the area to avert any further untoward incident. The police had to resort to a lathi charge to disperse the enraged mob.

According to police, the victim has been admitted to the ICU of the district hospital and his condition is stated to be stable. The accused student, who fled soon after attacking his classmate, was also later detained and an investigation is underway, said District Collector Arvind Poswal.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said he's keeping an eye on the incident. "I am constantly in touch with the district administration. The government will take strict action against the criminals. Appeal to all to maintain peace," he said.