Jaipur, June 27: A roadside food vendor in Jaipur suffered serious burn injuries after boiling water spilled during a police-led clearance operation conducted ahead of the movement of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s convoy, according to a complaint filed with local authorities.
The incident has generated public attention across Rajasthan, with questions being raised about the balance between VIP security arrangements and the safety of small business owners who depend on daily earnings for survival.
What Happened in Jaipur’s Jagatpura Area?
According to the complaint submitted to Ramnagariya Police Station, the incident occurred on the evening of June 19 along Jagatpura Mahal Road.
Two sisters, identified as Khushboo Gupta and Reshu Gupta, were operating their roadside momo stall when police personnel reportedly arrived to clear vendors from the route ahead of the chief minister’s scheduled convoy movement.
The family alleges that while food preparation was underway and water was boiling inside a large cooking vessel, they requested a short amount of time to move the cart safely.
However, according to the complaint, the cart was allegedly overturned during the clearance process, causing hot water to spill onto Reshu Gupta.
Vendor Suffers Multiple Burn Injuries
Family members say the boiling water caused serious burns to Reshu Gupta’s hands and other parts of her body.
She was immediately taken for medical treatment and continues to recover from her injuries.
Medical officials have not publicly disclosed detailed information regarding her condition, but family members describe the injuries as significant and requiring ongoing care.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety measures during roadside enforcement drives involving vendors handling cooking equipment, gas stoves and hot liquids.
Family Says Food Stall Supports Household
Speaking about their circumstances, Khushboo Gupta said the momo stall represents the family’s primary source of income.
According to her account, the family faced financial difficulties following the death of their father during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She stated that after enrolling in a physiotherapy course in Jaipur in 2020, she relocated to the city along with her mother and younger sister. The family has since been living in rented accommodation in Pratap Nagar.
To support household expenses and education costs, they began operating a momo stall near the Akshay Patra area on Jagatpura Mahal Road.
The daily earnings from the business, she said, have been essential for sustaining the family.
Police Investigating the Incident
Police officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from nearby locations and gathering statements from witnesses and police personnel present during the operation.
Officials have stated that conclusions will be drawn only after all evidence has been examined.
The inquiry aims to establish the exact sequence of events and determine whether any procedural lapses occurred during the route-clearance exercise.
Public Debate Over VIP Movement and Street Vendor Safety
The incident has triggered broader discussions regarding the impact of VIP security arrangements on everyday citizens and small-scale businesses.
Urban governance experts note that roadside vendors often work in challenging conditions and may require additional time to safely relocate cooking equipment, food supplies and hot utensils during sudden enforcement actions.
Advocates for street vendors argue that clearance operations should prioritize safety protocols and communication to prevent injuries while maintaining security requirements.
Investigation Findings Awaited
As the investigation continues, officials have assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
The outcome of the inquiry is expected to provide greater clarity regarding the circumstances that led to the accident and whether any accountability measures will follow.
For now, attention remains focused on Reshu Gupta’s recovery and on the official probe that could shape future safety practices during convoy-related route-clearance operations in Jaipur and other cities.
