• More than 5000 people gathered in protest rally
• Bar Association took a day off to support the protest
• Congress and BJP leaders came on one stage
• All religions and communities stand together
• Heavy Police deployed
• Protest turned violent, but police controlled the situation

Thousands of people from almost every community, organizations and factions of Udaipur participated in the mass rally and procession held today against the inconsistency and disruptiveness caused by Resident Doctors and their frequent involvement in assaulting patient’s attendants and later on, going on strike.

The protest march, which started from Town Hall depicted the agony and unity of Udaipurites against the Resident Doctors.  The rally organized by the Mewar Sarv Samaj (All community) under the banner of Mewar Kshatriya Masabha took a violent shape when a incident of stone pelting was recorded in front of the RNT Medical College.  The Police resorted to the use of mild force to disperse the crowd and controlled the situation.

The Protestors demanded immediate suspension and rustication of the accused resident doctor(s) and the parking staff who allegedly manhandled patients and their attendants at M.B. Hospital a few weeks back.

People started gathering in large numbers at the Municipal Council Premises of Town Hall.  According to sources, around 150 social and political organizations supported the rally.

It is said to be one of the largest mass protests in Udaipur with more than 5000 people including School and College students turning out in large numbers to participate in the protest march.

City Administration was already at High alert as all top officials including Additional (SP) Tejraj Singh, Sudhir Joshi, Kalu Ram Rawat, Deputy Annath Kumar and IPS Rajeev Pachar with Additional District Magistrate Mohammad Yaseen Pathan were present, supported by a huge police force deployed with the riot control vehicle and policemen equipped with tear gas.

Several leaders addressed the rally and appealed for a peaceful procession.  To name a few Balu Singh Kanawat of Kshtriya Mahasabha, Hatim Taj from Bohra (Youth), Mushtaq Chanchal from Muslim community, Robin from Sikh community and Jitamal Chouhan of Khatik Samaj, etc addressed the gathering.

Political leaders Gulab Chand Katariya (BJP MLA city), Lal Singh Jhala (Congress President), Rajni Dangi (Chairperson, MCU), Balu Singh Kanawat (President, Mewar Kshatriya Mahasabha) and Bharat (President, Udaipur Bar Association) also addressed the mass rally.

Gulab Chand Katariya said that it is very disappointing that people from such a noble profession like Doctors are manhandling and beating up the patients and their attendants.  He said that if no action is taken against the culprits then the administration will have to face the consequences.

Various leaders from different groups said that if the problem will not be solved within 3 days then there will be a Dharna and the administration will have to be prepared for a Mass Udaipur Bandh.

As the speeches were going on, the mob turned violent rushed towards the RNT Medical College Gate.

Few rioters broke the barricades and started violent demonstration in front of RNT College.  Few of them started throwing stones at the Medical College and also attacked some vehicles including a VIP vehicle.

The situation suddenly turned serious as many rioters tried to attack the police and started to throw stones at them.

The administrative authority reacted immediately and took the situation under control by dispering the crowd using lathi-charge.  The situation was said to be under control while this news was being written.

Mewar Sarvasamaj and Mewar Kshatriya Mahasabha will start gradual hunger strike from today. Members of Sarvasamaj Sangharsh Samiti include Tanvir Singh Krishnawat and Gajpal Singh.

Udaipur Bar Association, Marble Association, B.N. Institute, and Sindhi, Jain, Agrawal, Bohra, Muslim, Sarvavargiya Kalal, Mali and Rajput communities, Bajrang Sena, Mewar Shiv Sena, Goverdhan Sena, Indian workers organization have pledged their support to the movement.

Photos of Today’s Mass Protest clicked by UT Reporters and Photographers Sayeed Ahmed and Anil Rodgers

News and Photos by: Sayeed Ahmed, Anil Rodgers also contributed by Zaheer Abbas and Vajrasar Goswami