JAIPUR: A horrific public killing in the Paldi Meena area, around 10 km from Jaipur, triggered massive protests and road blockades on Monday, bringing traffic on the Jaipur-Agra National Highway to a standstill for several hours.
The victim, 22-year-old Vipin Kumar, was brutally stabbed at least 14 times late Sunday night, allegedly by Mohammad Anas and his associates, in full public view, according to police officials. The accused later posted on social media, boasting that the murder was an act of “revenge,” further inflaming tensions.
Widespread outrage followed the killing, with hundreds of protesters gathering on Monday morning, demanding swift justice. Demonstrators blocked roads, and several shops—reportedly belonging to members of a specific community—were vandalized. Sporadic clashes broke out between protesters and police before authorities regained control.
The situation escalated further after it was revealed that Anas, described by police as a history-sheeter with over a dozen criminal cases, had previously been arrested and even publicly paraded, but continued to pose a threat in the community.
Accused Shot During Arrest Attempt
Police arrested Anas and five of his accomplices on Monday afternoon. During the arrest, Anas allegedly tried to grab a police officer’s service pistol, prompting officers to shoot him in the leg. He was subsequently hospitalized under police custody.
DCP (East) Tejaswani Gautam said that the motive behind the killing is still under investigation. However, preliminary information points to a long-standing dispute between Anas and the victim dating back two years. Locals suggested that the conflict may have originated from a seemingly minor incident involving a goat that strayed into Anas’s lane from Kumar’s house. Others hinted at a possible rivalry over a girl, though police say that angle remains unconfirmed.
Community Anger Boils Over
The killing and its aftermath left the local community furious. “Anas had been threatening several families, including ours,” said Sunil Khatik, a local resident. “Despite his previous arrests, he kept becoming more aggressive.”
Vipin Kumar’s family refused to allow the postmortem until their demands—including financial compensation, a job for a family member, and swift justice—were accepted. The protest was finally called off Monday evening after the administration agreed to the family’s terms.
Heavy Police Deployment
A large police presence, including personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Quick Response Teams (QRT), was deployed across the area to maintain order. Authorities also appealed for calm as investigations continue.
Even as the protests eased by evening, the anger in the community remained palpable. Locals demanded not just justice, but the execution of the accused, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent such crimes in the future.
