Naresh Meena, an Independent MLA candidate from Rajasthan’s Tonk district, was arrested on Thursday, a day after he allegedly slapped Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary during a bypoll polling, in full view of media crews.
Meena, a Congress rebel contesting as an Independent, reportedly grabbed SDM Chaudhary by the collar and slapped him while the official was attempting to encourage locals to vote. The incident occurred amid a boycott of the polling process by local villagers, who were demanding that Samravta village be included in the Uniara sub-division instead of Deoli, which they considered farther. Meena was reportedly supporting the villagers’ cause.
The altercation led to widespread violence, with vehicles set on fire and clashes between police and protestors. At least 60 people were arrested in connection with the unrest, which saw around 60 two-wheelers and 18 four-wheelers torched outside the polling station. In response, Meena and his supporters staged a dharna in Samravta village, a flashpoint in the Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency.
The violence escalated as police attempted to disperse the crowd, and several incidents of stone-pelting were reported. The Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) Association condemned the attack on the SDM and announced a pen-down strike, disrupting government work for several hours on Thursday morning.
In the wake of the incident, four cases were registered against Naresh Meena, including charges for obstructing public duties, damaging public property, and inciting violence. Authorities are continuing their investigations into the matter.
