Knife Attack on 15-Year-Old Hindu Student by Jihadis [Udaipur, Rajasthan]

(Reported as seen)

Udaipur witnessed a surge in communal tensions on Friday, August 16, following a violent incident involving a knife attack on a 15-year-old Hindu student by a classmate allegedly belonging to the Muslim community. The altercation, which took place near Government Senior Secondary School, Bhatiyani Chohatta, has sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests and a call for a bandh (shutdown) by Hindu organizations.

The attack occurred around 10:30 AM in the Surajpol police station area, where the two students, both around 15 years old, clashed outside the school during lunchtime. The altercation escalated quickly, resulting in one student stabbing the other multiple times in the thigh. The injured student was promptly taken to Maharana Bhupal (MB) Hospital by teachers, where he is currently being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The suspect fled the scene following the attack.

The violent incident has led to significant unrest in Udaipur. Outraged by the attack, residents and members of Hindu organizations have taken to the streets, forcing the closure of shops in key areas such as Chetak Circle, Hathipole, Ashwini Market, Bapu Bazaar, and Ghantaghar. The situation escalated as protestors vandalized property, set a garage on fire, and overturned several vehicles in the Sardarpura area.

In response to the growing unrest, Udaipur Collector and District Magistrate Arvind Poswal imposed Section 144 in the city, prohibiting gatherings and instructing officials to enforce the order rigorously. Police forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, including the hospital where the injured student is being treated, to maintain order.

The recent knife attack has reignited memories of the gruesome murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a Hindu tailor, on June 28, 2022. The tailor was brutally killed by two Islamists, Mohammed Riyaz Attari and Gaus Mohammed, who were reportedly motivated by Lal’s social media support for former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The murder, which was filmed and circulated online, shocked the nation and led to widespread condemnation.

The parallels drawn between the two incidents have deepened the communal divide in Udaipur, with many fearing that the city could witness further unrest. The ongoing trial of Kanhaiya Lal’s killers, who were charged with premeditated murder and criminal conspiracy, continues to be a point of tension in the region.

The knife attack on the young Hindu student has triggered a significant response in Udaipur, reflecting the city’s fragile communal harmony. The situation remains tense, with authorities on high alert to prevent further escalation. The incident underscores the need for effective measures to address communal violence and protect the safety of all citizens in the region.