A 40-year-old tour guide, Manish Kumar Soni, succumbed to injuries sustained from a stabbing incident near Amer Fort in Jaipur on Monday. His death, which occurred at SMS Hospital on Tuesday morning, sparked significant protests and led to the closure of local markets in Amer.
Manish, a resident of Amer, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after being attacked in the abdomen. As reported by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Prateek Singh, the confrontation began around 9:30 AM near Maota Lake when a group of tourists in a private vehicle sought directions to Amer Fort.
According to eyewitness accounts, Azam, a local jeep driver, informed the tourists that private vehicles were prohibited from accessing the fort and recommended that they hire a jeep instead. However, Manish intervened to provide the tourists with the necessary directions, leading them to proceed in their own vehicle. This interaction reportedly incited a dispute between Manish and Azam.
ACP Singh noted, “There has been a longstanding conflict between jeep drivers and tourist guides in the Amer region. The argument escalated, resulting in Manish being stabbed. We have apprehended the suspect, and the legal process will be followed.” Tragically, Manish passed away at around 7 AM on Tuesday while receiving medical care.
The news of his death quickly circulated throughout Amer, prompting shopkeepers to voluntarily close their businesses and residents to gather in the streets. Family members of Manish, along with other community members, organized a sit-in protest, demanding justice and accountability.
Protesters called for financial compensation of Rs 1 crore and a government job for a member of Manish’s family. Some also voiced demands for the demolition of the accused’s residence. Earlier on Monday, local residents had blocked a road for approximately an hour and a half. Following Manish’s death, law enforcement from the Amer police station and surrounding areas was deployed to manage the situation as crowds began to form.
Police officials reported that tensions were eased after discussions with the demonstrators. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
