Udaipur Tensions Escalate as Stabbed Student Devraj Passes Away

Udaipur — Four days after being brutally attacked with a knife at his school, Devraj, a 15-year old student who had been fighting for his life, tragically passed away on Monday. Devraj's condition took a critical turn around 3 PM while he was receiving treatment at MB Hospital, and despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to his injuries.

Following the news of his death, a heavy police presence was deployed outside the hospital. Devraj's body has been placed in the morgue, and shortly after 3:30 PM, a meeting was convened by the hospital administration, which included District Collector Arvind Poswal and Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal, among other officials. The discussions were reportedly intense and lengthy, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Collector Arvind Poswal, and SP Yogesh Goyal spoke with the grieving family members, attempting to console them. However, the family refused to claim Devraj's body or conduct the final rites, with his mother demanding that the accused be hanged before they proceed with the cremation.

SP Goyal conducted a thorough inspection of the hospital’s emergency area and ordered barricades to be set up to enhance security. As news of Devraj's death spread rapidly throughout the city, people began gathering at various locations, prompting the pre-prepared police force to swiftly take control of key intersections and sensitive areas. On police instructions, shops started closing down, even as the city's markets were bustling with crowds due to the Raksha Bandhan festival.

The unsettling news caused widespread fear, leading many people to leave the market and return home. Amidst the growing tension, several rumors began to circulate, prompting authorities to urge the public not to believe in or spread misinformation.

To manage the situation and prevent large gatherings, access to both main entrances of MB Hospital was completely restricted, with only patients being allowed entry after thorough checks.

It was reported that earlier in the day, around 2:15 PM, after obtaining permission from the District Collector, Devraj’s sisters visited him in the hospital. His sister Suhani, along with their cousins, tied Rakhi on his wrist and prayed for his long life, unaware that this would be their final moment with him.

In response to the tense atmosphere, a substantial police force has been deployed in several parts of the city, including Ashwini Bazaar, Hathipole, Chetak Circle, Maldas Street, Bhupalwadi, and Anjuman Chowk, among other locations.

In light of the situation, additional forces have been deployed in the city, and internet services remain suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent further violence or communal unrest. Punjab Governor and former Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria expressed his condolences, acknowledging the specialists' efforts to save the boy but noting the unfortunate outcome.

This tragic incident stems from an altercation that occurred on August 16 at a government school in Bhattiyani Chohatta, where one student attacked another with a knife. The incident led to widespread unrest in the city, with angry mobs resorting to arson and vandalism. The police have since arrested the minor student responsible for the stabbing, along with his father. Devraj had been on a ventilator at MB Hospital since the incident, but despite the efforts of medical professionals, he could not be saved.

The city remains on high alert as authorities work to prevent further violence and maintain order in the wake of this tragedy.