On August 16, communal tensions surged in Udaipur, leading to the imposition of prohibitory orders banning public assembly. The unrest was triggered by a stabbing incident between two school students from different communities.
The victim has been identified as 15-year-old student, Devraj Mochi, who is in the 10th grade at Government Higher Secondary School, Rang Niwas. According to information received from the school, Devraj was attacked by Ayan Sheikh, the father of Jamil Sheikh, a resident of Diwan Shah Colony, Kishanpole, Udaipur.
What says the FIR?
Organiser accessed the FIR (number: 342/2024) which was registered at the Surajapole police station on August 16 by the uncle of the victim, Vinod Mochi.
As per the FIR, assault occurred around 10:30 AM outside the school. Ayan Sheikh reportedly beat Devraj and then stabbed him in the thigh with a knife, causing severe bleeding. The family was informed immediately and rushed Devraj to a major hospital for emergency treatment. Upon arrival at Bade Hospital, Devraj was found unconscious and was promptly taken into the operating room by doctors.
The family has reported that Ayan Sheikh had previously harassed Devraj on a daily basis, using caste-based and derogatory language. This ongoing abuse was reprimanded by Devraj’s family, who believe that today’s attack was motivated by personal enmity and a desire to disgrace him.
On August 17, Organiser contacted Vinod, who confirmed that Devraj had lost a significant amount of blood and is currently receiving treatment. As of the morning of August 17, Devraj was reported to be stable. Vinod was unable to provide details about the motive behind the brutal attack, as he was hurrying to the hospital.
As per the FIR, the accused have been booked under sections 109 (1), 126 (2), 115 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with sections 3(2)(v) and 3(2)(va) of the Prevention of Atrocities Act also known as the SC-ST Act.
Tensions in the city
Following the attack, youth affiliated with the Mochi community, along with members of various Hindu organisations, took to the streets in protest. The demonstrators forced the closure of markets in several key areas, including Hathipol, Ashwini Bazaar, and Chetak Circle. During the protests, there were reports of vandalism and arson, with some vehicles being set on fire.
उदयपुर में अयान शेख ने दलित देवराज मोची पर धारदार हथियार से जानलेवा हमला कर दिया। कोई भीम आर्मी, बहुजन संगठन सामने नहीं आया। अगर कोई दलित के समर्थन में आया तो सिर्फ हिंदूवादी संगठन सामने आए। इसलिए दलित युवा को भीम आर्मी नहीं बजरंग दल ज्वाइन करना चाहिए #Udaipur #justice_for_pooja pic.twitter.com/aMTL7q502d
— राजू वाल्मीकि 100% follow Back (@raju_botana) August 16, 2024
In response to the escalating situation, District Magistrate Arvind Poswal imposed a curfew in the urban area in the evening. The curfew, enforced under Section 163 (formerly Section 144), aims to restore order and prevent further violence. The district administration has appealed to residents to maintain peace and to disregard rumours circulating in the city.
What says the Police?
In a video statement, Poswal said, “The condition of the injured child is stable. Doctors are giving him the best possible treatment. The city is peaceful now. The SP and I had roamed the city for an hour with police officers. Two-three vehicles were set on fire in some areas, but apart from this, there has been no incident for which the police have had to resort to lathi charge.”
★उदयपुर स्कूली बच्चों में चाकूबाजी का मामला
★जिला कलेक्टर अरविंद पोसवाल और पुलिस अधीक्षक योगेश गोयल मौजूद हैं एमबी अस्पताल में
★कलेक्टर बोले घायल बच्चे का बेस्ट डॉक्टर्स की टीम कर रही है उपचार
★ बच्चे के जल्द रिकवर होने की है उम्मीद शहरवासी अफवाहों पर नहीं दे ध्यान pic.twitter.com/Vy7HDe0WZ2— Udaipur District Collector & Magistrate (@UdaipurDm) August 16, 2024
The student who was attacked is currently receiving treatment at MB Hospital, where his condition is described as serious.
Motive behind attack
According to hospital superintendent RL Suman, the victim suffered a deep knife wound to his thigh, which required surgical intervention. The injured student is now on a ventilator and his prognosis remains critical.
The initial investigation suggests that the attack may have resulted from a verbal altercation, although specific details about the argument are still unclear. The police have detained the accused student and arrested his father. Both are being questioned in connection with the incident.
Hanuman Chalisa in protest
Amid the turmoil, a large number of people gathered at the hospital to show their support for the victim’s family. Women protesting outside the hospital began reciting the Hanuman Chalisa which continued throughout the night. Protesters also intermittently chanted slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” as they voiced their grievances.
Udaipur Rural MLA Phool Singh Meena also told reporters that the situation is under control.
The incident, occurring just before Rakshabandhan, has raised concerns of a potential conspiracy, further inflaming community tensions. The Mochi community and Hindu organisations have demanded severe action against the perpetrators, including calls for bulldozers to be used on the homes of the accused. The situation remains volatile as authorities work to manage the fallout and prevent further escalation.
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