Tensions rise in Udaipur as 15-year-old stabbing victim succumbs to injuries

Devraj, a 15-year-old student, was cremated in Udaipur on Aug 20 morning under stringent security measures, following his tragic death after a four-day struggle.

Devraj, who was in Class 10 at Govt Higher Secondary School Bhattiyani Chauhatta in Girwa Tehsil of Udaipur, was attacked by a classmate with a knife due around 10:30 am on August 16. The stabbing led to his critical condition, and he ultimately passed away on August 19.

During his hospital stay, Devraj's sister celebrated Raksha Bandhan by tying a rakhi on his wrist. The body was released to his family after a post-mortem was completed early on August 20.

The mortuary at MB Hospital saw heavy security as the city was tense following the incident, partly due to the religious differences between Devraj and the attacker.

The news of Devraj's death heightened tensions, leading to a heightened state of alert among the police and administration. Initially, Devraj’s family refused to accept the body, staging a protest demanding justice and additional compensatory measures.

They sought financial compensation, employment for a family member, and legal action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, given that Devraj belonged to the SC category. The administration agreed to provide ₹51 lakh in compensation, offer a job to a family member, and pursue legal actions as requested.

Further demands from the protesters included a government job for a family member and the dismissal of the school staff. The administration promised to forward the job request to the state government. Once these assurances were made, the family consented to the post-mortem procedure.

Earlier, various organizations gathered at the hospital’s emergency gate, challenging the sudden declaration of Devraj’s death after being informed that he might be transferred to Delhi or Jaipur for additional treatment.

They accused the administration of misleading them throughout the crisis. In response to the unrest, Udaipur Range IG Ajaypal Lamba appealed for calm and warned of potential police action.

Divisional Commissioner Rajeev Bhatt confirmed that despite exhaustive efforts by medical staff, the severity of Devraj’s injuries and significant blood loss rendered their attempts to save him ineffective.

In light of the communal tensions, security around Udaipur was heightened, with elaborate arrangements in place, including a suspension of mobile internet services. All government and private schools in the city were closed as a precaution.

The incident sparked violent protests from Hindu groups, resulting in the burning of cars at a motor garage and vandalism at a mall. In response, prohibitory orders banning public assembly were imposed in Udaipur to control the unrest.