Authorities in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, shut down the internet on Wednesday until Thursday, as Hindu groups called for a bandh in response to the murder of a 20-year-old man in the state over the last month. The bandh has been supported by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Following the murder of Adarsh Tapadia on Tuesday night over a dispute involving his brother, additional police forces were deployed in the town.
According to police superintendent Adarsh Sidhu, three main suspects have been arrested, and the role of others involved in the murder is also being investigated. Tapadia was passing through Sanganer when his assailants on two motorcycles stopped and stabbed him to death, according to him.
According to Mahesh Khetani, a relative of Tapadia’s, the 20-year-old was attacked by seven to eight people. “He was killed because of animosity.” We will not transport his body for final rites until the accused have been apprehended. The family is seeking compensation of Rs. 50 lakh.”
Tapadia’s family is demanding compensation, according to BJP lawmaker Vithal Shanker Avasthi, and that all accused be arrested first before they claim the body.
Last week, communal violence erupted in Jodhpur’s Jalori Gate over religious flags ahead of Eid celebrations. The situation was brought under control early Tuesday morning with heavy police deployment, but tensions quickly escalated, prompting authorities to suspend internet services and impose a curfew. This was the most recent in a string of communal riots in Rajasthan.
On May 5, internet services in Bhilwara were suspended due to communal tensions after two men were beaten and one of their motorcycles was set on fire. Communal clashes erupted in Karauli in April, with Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot blaming the BJP for the unrest ahead of the state’s elections next year.