Communal clash in Udaipur; mobile internet suspended, schools shut

Mobile internet was suspended for 24 hours in several areas of Rajasthan's Udaipur and all schools were ordered to remain shut after a Class-10 student allegedly stabbed another boy at a government school, triggering communal violence in the city, officials said.

The incident took place on Friday, they said, adding that the student injured in the attack is undergoing treatment at the district hospital while the accused is under detention.

The house of the accused boy has been razed by the district administration using JCB machines, the officials said.

The demolition was carried out in the presence of police personnel.

"Fear of the administration is necessary for someone who commits a crime. It was found in an investigation that the house of the accused was built on forest land and action was taken in accordance with rules. A notice was served and action was taken," Udaipur District Collector Arvind Poswal said.

All government and private schools in Udaipur have been ordered to remain shut until further orders in view of the law-and-order situation, he said.

A team of three doctors has been sent from state capital Jaipur to Udaipur by a special plane for the treatment of the injured boy, the collector said, adding that his condition is stable.

"Our first priority is to save the life of the victim. A team has reached to treat him on the directions of the chief minister. The condition of the boy is stable. Law and order is also being maintained. Both the communities have assured the administration that peace will be maintained," he said.

Divisional Commissioner Rajendra Bhatt issued an order suspending mobile internet services for a period of 24 hours from 10 pm on Friday in Udaipur city and the Bedla, Badgaon, Bleecha, Debari, Eklingpura, Kanpur, Dheekli and Bhuwana areas.

The collector appealed to people not to pay heed to rumours.

A mob set cars on fire on Friday amid communal tension following the stabbing incident outside a government school at Bhattiyani Chohatta.

Prohibitory orders banning the assembly of people were imposed in the city.

According to police, members of some Hindu outfits gathered at Madhuban in the city to protest against the incident.

The mob pelted stones and set three-four cars on fire, police said.

As the tension escalated in the evening, markets were shut in Bapu Bazar, Hathipole, Ghanta Ghar, Chetak Circle and nearby areas.

Some violent elements also pelted stones at a shopping mall, shattering the glass windows of shops, the officials said.

Additional policemen have been deployed in the city to maintain law and order, they added.