Tourist Vehicle Dispute Near Jaipur’s Amer Fort Turns Fatal, Guide Dies

JAIPUR: A 40-year-old tourist guide died at Sawai Man Singh Hospital on Tuesday, a day after he was allegedly stabbed following a dispute near Amer Fort. The incident sparked protests in the area, with local shops shutting down as residents and tourist guides demanded strict action against those responsible. The deceased, identified as Manish Soni, a resident of Amer, was allegedly attacked around 9.30am on Monday after an argument with a tourist vehicle driver, identified as Azam. According to police, Soni had stopped tourist vehicles from proceeding towards Amer Fort, leading to an argument with Azam. The dispute allegedly escalated, after which Soni was attacked with a knife and suffered serious injuries to his abdomen. Police said an associate of the accused, identified as Nazish, was also allegedly involved in the attack. Soni was rushed to SMS Hospital and admitted to the ICU.

However, he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning. Police said he suffered severe injuries and significant blood loss. Azam has been arrested and is being questioned, while further investigation is underway. DCP (North) Karan Sharma said Soni and Azam had reportedly been involved in a scuffle a few days before the stabbing. However, Soni had not filed a formal complaint over the earlier incident. The news of Soni’s death triggered anger among local residents and tourist guides. Shops in Amer’s main market remained closed as hundreds of people gathered to protest and demand action. The protesters sought Rs 1 crore in compensation for Soni’s family, a government job for one of his family members and strict action against the accused. BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya also reached the spot and held discussions with the protesters. Additional police forces were deployed in the area to prevent any law-and-order situation. After several rounds of discussions, the protesters dispersed following assurances from authorities that the family would receive all possible financial assistance and a contractual job.