Communal tensions gripped the Madhuban area of Rajasthan’s Udaipur on Friday after a Class 10 student was stabbed by a fellow student at a government-run school, officials said. The accused student was subsequently detained by the police.

Soon after the stabbing incident, members of several Hindu right wing outfits gathered in the Madhuban area and set fire to at least three cars parked in a garage and indulged in stone pelting.

The city is on high alert amid the heightened tensions between two communities, officials said. In response to the escalating situation, Section 144 was also imposed, prohibiting large gatherings in the city.

The victim’s condition is reported to be critical though he was moved from the operation theatre to the intensive care unit (ICU) and is under close monitoring by medical teams.

In order to control the violence, police have resorted to using mild force to disperse the protesting crowd. Meanwhile, Udaipur District Collector has issued a public appeal for peace, urging residents to refrain from violence and allow the law to take its course.

“Additional policemen have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order. The accused has been detained,” Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal said.

Local political leaders have also arrived at the hospital where the injured student is being treated.

Further investigation into the stabbing incident is underway.

(With inputs from Satish.)