Udaipur Diocese Appeals for Peace After Student Dies in Road Accident

Banswara, Rajasthan, July 31, 2026: The Diocese of Udaipur has appealed for peace and communal harmony following the death of a student and injuries to several others in a road accident involving students of St. Paul's Senior Secondary School, Banswara.

In a statement issued on July 31, the Diocese expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured the bereaved family and the injured students of its prayers and support.

According to the Diocese, the accident occurred on July 29, about one kilometre from the school campus, when a Maruti van carrying students collided with a stationary truck. The Diocese said the vehicle had been privately arranged by parents, as the school does not provide transportation services.

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One student died at the scene, another sustained critical injuries, while several others suffered minor injuries.

School staff and local residents rushed to the accident site immediately after the collision and assisted in shifting the injured students to hospital for treatment.

Following the accident, protests erupted in Banswara, with some groups alleging negligence by the school administration. The Diocese, however, maintained that the school had no role in arranging or operating the vehicle involved in the accident.

The Diocese also alleged that the incident was subsequently linked to unrelated accusations, including allegations of religious conversion, and said campaigns targeting the school administration were carried out through demonstrations and social media.

As tensions escalated, the District Collector and other civil authorities convened meetings with representatives of the school, community leaders and other stakeholders to maintain law and order and restore normalcy.

A group of protesters also gathered outside the school and submitted a memorandum of demands. Following discussions with the district administration and school authorities, the protest was withdrawn, although some groups reportedly said they would continue their agitation if their demands were not met.

The Diocese commended the district administration and the police for their prompt response in maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of students, staff and the public.

Founded by the Diocese of Udaipur in 1979, St. Paul's Senior Secondary School has served the educational needs of the region for more than four decades and currently has an enrolment of over 2,250 students.

Appealing for restraint, the Diocese urged that the tragedy should not be used to spread misinformation or create communal divisions. It called on all concerned to support the bereaved family, pray for the deceased and the injured, and work together to uphold peace, justice and communal harmony.

By Catholic Connect Reporter