Minor Devraj who has been killed by Ayan (Image: Organiser)
In Udaipur, Rajasthan, a seemingly minor argument between two students tragically escalated into a fatal confrontation, leaving the entire city in shock. Ayan Shiekh, a student, attacked his 10th-grade classmate, Devraj, with a knife during a heated exchange. The situation turned dire as Devraj was rushed to MB Hospital for treatment, where he remained in critical condition. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Devraj succumbed to his injuries on the night of Raksha Bandhan, a day meant for celebrating the bond between siblings.
This incident has not only devastated Devraj’s family but also reignited public discourse surrounding justice and accountability, especially in the context of the Kanhaiya Lal murder case that still lingers unresolved.
Sequence of Events Leading to Tragedy
The incident unfolded on the morning of August 16, outside a school in the Bhatiyani Chauhatta area, under the Surajpole police station limits in Udaipur. What began as a trivial disagreement between Devraj and Ayan escalated rapidly into violence. In a moment of fury, Ayan brandished a knife and stabbed Devraj, causing life-threatening injuries. Following the attack, Ayan fled the scene, leaving Devraj gravely wounded.
As news of the attack reached Devraj’s family, they rushed to the school and immediately transported him to MB Hospital. Doctors worked tirelessly to save his life, but his condition remained critical. The attack sparked outrage within the local community, with Hindu organisations staging protests, demanding justice for Devraj. The protests led to the closure of markets across Udaipur as tensions continued to rise.
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, the 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.
Public and Administrative Response
The escalating tension in Udaipur prompted authorities to take swift action. District Collector Arvind Poswal urged the public to remain calm and not succumb to rumours, but the situation remained volatile. An enraged mob took to the streets, setting fires in several areas, forcing the administration to impose Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings, and shutting down internet services across the district to prevent further unrest.
In response to the public outcry, the police detained Ayan, the accused student, and also arrested his father. This action was meant to reassure Devraj’s family and the public that justice would be served.
However, the memories of the Kanhaiyalal murder case in Udaipur, have left many sceptical about whether true justice will be delivered. In that case, despite the severity of the crime, the accused have yet to receive a death sentence, with one even being released on bail. This has raised concerns about whether the same fate awaits the perpetrator of this latest tragedy.
Final Hours and Devraj’s Passing
As Devraj’s condition worsened, his family remained by his side, hoping for a miracle. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, a day of celebration and familial love, Devraj’s sister, Suhani, tied a rakhi on his wrist, praying for his recovery. However, her prayers went unanswered, and later that night, Devraj passed away.
On August 17, Organiser contacted Vinod, Devraj’s uncle 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.
Organiser tried contacting him again on August 20, but the calls went unanswered.
Aftermath and Funeral
Following Devraj’s death, his family initially refused to accept his body, demanding justice and fearing that their son’s death would become just another statistic. It was only after prolonged negotiations with the authorities, during which they were promised a contractual job and Rs 51 lakh in compensation, that the family agreed to proceed with the funeral.
On the morning of August 20, Devraj’s last rites were conducted at Mokshdham, Udaipur, amidst a heavy police presence. A large crowd gathered to pay their final respects, a testament to the deep impact his death has had on the community. Despite the police’s efforts to maintain order, the grief and anger in the air were palpable, as the community grappled with the senseless loss of a young life.
Kanhaiya Lal’s murder
The tragic incident has reignited discussions around justice in Udaipur, particularly in light of the unresolved Kanhaiyalal case. Devraj’s family, along with many others in the community, continue to demand the death penalty for Ayan, the accused. However, the path to justice remains uncertain, as the memories of past injustices linger in the minds of the people of Udaipur.
The authorities remain on high alert, with Section 144 still in effect and internet services suspended in the district. As Udaipur mourns the loss of Devraj, the community is left to ponder whether true justice will be served and whether such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
It is noteworthy that on June 28, 2022, tailor Kanhaiyalal was murdered in Rajasthan. Two attackers killed tailor Kanhaiyalal Teli. The motive behind this incident was reportedly a social media post supporting Indian politician Nupur Sharma. The attackers filmed the assault and shared the video online, which led to widespread outrage across India.
After the incident, the video of the accused also went viral. Protests were held demanding the death penalty for the perpetrators of the Kanhaiyalal murder case, and people expressed their views on social media. The main accused, Gaus Mohammad and Mohammad Riyaz Attari were arrested and sent to jail. Additionally, the responsibility of investigating the case was assigned to the NIA (National Investigation Agency). A total of 8 individuals linked to the murder case are currently in jail, with one accused, Farhad Mohammad, having been granted bail.
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