Rajasthan: Bulldozer Action in Udaipur: Authorities Demolish House of Accused Student Amidst Rising Tensions; All Schools in Udaipur Closed

Rajasthan: Bulldozer Action in Udaipur: In a significant move by the Rajasthan government, the house of a student accused of stabbing another student in Udaipur was demolished on Saturday by district authorities. The incident, which involved a knife attack between two school students, has led to widespread unrest in the city. The house was demolished by the municipal corporation under heavy police security. Authotities said the residence was an illegal construction.

Demolished property was a rented one

The demolished property, located in the Khanjipeer area of Udaipur, did not belong to the accused student’s family but was a rented house. Despite this, the authorities proceeded with the demolition. The municipal corporation's team removed all belongings from the house, loading them onto a pickup truck. Then two bulldozers reduced the structure to rubble within about 30 minutes.

Before initiating the demolition, officials disconnected the house’s electricity supply and ensured the property was vacated. Once it was confirmed that no one remained inside, the bulldozers began their work, effectively leveling the building.

3-day notice was given but demolition occurred the same day

The demolition began around noon on Saturday. Earlier that morning, notices regarding the illegal construction were posted on the house by the Municipal Corporation and the Forest Department, giving the occupants a three-day notice to vacate the premises. However, the demolition occurred the same day, with the entire process captured on video.

All  schools in Udaipur closed

In response to the escalating tension in the city following the stabbing incident, the District Magistrate (DM) imposed Section 144 and Section 163, restricting gatherings and imposing a curfew. The DM also ordered an internet shutdown and the closure of all government and private schools in Udaipur from August 17, 2024, until further notice. This includes schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Consequently, Udaipur’s streets remain quiet, with uncertainty surrounding the reopening of markets that were closed due to the unrest.

One student attacked the other with a knife

The violent altercation occurred on Friday between two 10th-grade students from different communities at Bhattiani Chohatta Government School in the Surajpol police station area. The confrontation escalated outside the school, where one student attacked the other with a knife, causing severe injuries. Both students sustained injuries, with the victim being rushed to MB Hospital for treatment. The student who carried out the stabbing fled the scene but was later detained by police.

Incidents of vandalism and arson

Following the stabbing, anger spread through the city, leading to incidents of vandalism and arson in certain areas. The district administration acted swiftly to control the situation, while the injured student’s condition is reported to be improving under close medical supervision.