Tension in Bhilwara after man’s murder

RIGHT-WING GROUPS CALLED ON TRADERS TO KEEP THEIR SHOPS SHUT IN PROTEST AGAINST THE INCIDENT

JAIPUR: The authorities in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara on Wednesday suspended internet services as a measure to maintain law and order after a 20-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death late on Tuesday night.

Right-wing groups called on traders to keep their shops shut in protest against the incident and the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state supported the call.

According to the police, Adarsh Tapadia (20), a resident of Shastri Nagar in Bhilwara, was passing through the Sanganer area when some assailants on two bikes stopped him and stabbed him to death over a dispute involving his brother.

Three prime accused were arrested after a complaint/FIR was lodged at the Kotwali police station, superintendent of police, Bhilwara, Adarsh Sindh said.

“The role of others involved in the murder is being probed,” the SP added.

Soon after the incident, some right-wing groups on Wednesday called for a bandh.

Additional police forces were deployed in the town following Tapadia’s murder, said officials.

On May 5, internet services were suspended in Bhilwara amid communal tensions after two men were beaten and one of their bikes was set on fire.

Mahesh Khetani, a relative of Tapadia, said that around seven to eight people attacked the 20-year-old.

“He was killed due to enmity. We will not take his body for last rites till the accused are arrested. The family has demanded ₹50 lakh compensation,” he said.

On Wednesday, BJP MLA Vithal Shanker Avasthi said Tapadia’s family is demanding compensation and arrest of all the accused before they claim the body.

In the recent past, there have been several incidents of communal violence in the state. Earlier this month, a communal tension broke out over religious flags ahead of the Eid celebrations in Jodhpur’s Jalori Gate.

As the tension escalated, heavy deployment of the police was ordered by the government and the authorities suspended the internet services and impose a curfew.

In April, communal clashes broke out in Karauli with Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot blaming the BJP for fanning it ahead of elections in the state next year.

In Karauli, violence broke out after the stone-pelting incident took place at a religious procession in April this year, while a 300-year-old temple was allegedly demolished using a bulldozer in Alwar’s Rajgarh.