Shri Rajput Karni Sena National President Mahipal Singh Makrana on Tuesday alleged that activist Devraj Singh Palada died after a high-pressure police water cannon struck him directly in the chest during the anti-UGC Bill protest in Jaipur. Palada was subsequently rushed to SMS Hospital, where he died during treatment. Jaipur Police have denied that a lathi-charge caused the death and said the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

What Karni Sena Alleged

Addressing an emergency press conference at Rajput Sabha Bhavan, Makrana claimed that police deployed high-pressure water cannons near Kalwar Road and Galav Kunda without provocation. He alleged that one water jet struck Devraj directly in the chest, causing his condition to deteriorate immediately.

Makrana described Devraj as a resident of Palada village in Didwana-Kuchaman district, belonging to the Ravana Rajput (OBC) community, who had joined the rally in solidarity with the Savarna community and other youth opposing the UGC Bill.

'We could have reached the Chief Minister's residence if we wanted to, but we chose to remain within the law,' Makrana said, alleging that police used force despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration. He further alleged that women and elderly protesters were also targeted with water cannons.

Demands Raised by Karni Sena

Makrana put forward several demands, including ₹1 crore compensation for Devraj's family, a government job for one family member, and strict action against the police personnel and administrative officials he held responsible. He also sought an inquiry into the role of the Jaipur Collector and senior police officers, alleging that while officials were engaged in talks with protest leaders, ground-level personnel were simultaneously stopping and threatening demonstrators.

Police Version of Events

Jaipur Police stated that permission for the rally had been granted up to the Collectorate and alleged that some protesters attempted to move beyond the permitted route, prompting what officials described as minimal force to maintain law and order. Police confirmed that no lathi-charge was conducted before the procession reached the Collectorate.

On Devraj Singh's death, police confirmed the incident but said preliminary information indicated that his health had deteriorated during the rally before he was taken for treatment. Authorities said the exact cause of death is being investigated and that there is currently no evidence linking it to a lathi-charge.

Karni Sena's Next Steps

Makrana announced that the Karni Sena would launch a statewide door-to-door campaign to raise awareness about what the organisation describes as the adverse impact of the UGC Bill. He also warned that the group would register its protest against government policies during the upcoming Panchayati Raj and municipal elections in Rajasthan. Makrana maintained that attempts were being made to create divisions between OBC communities and other sections of society to weaken the movement, and said the organisation's next course of action would be announced after consulting supporters and representatives of various communities.