Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Rajasthan Police arrested independent candidate Naresh Meena on Thursday following an incident in which he allegedly slapped Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary outside a polling booth in the Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency in Tonk district. This incident, captured on video, shows Meena’s confrontation with the SDM amid polling proceedings, intensifying unrest in the area.
Supporters Protest, Set Highway Ablaze
Following Meena’s arrest, his supporters ignited protests by setting fire to the state highway near Samravata village, expressing anger over his detention. This act of defiance led to significant disturbances in the area, heightening tensions further.
Police Take Action: 60 Arrested Amid Violence
Ajmer Range Inspector General Om Prakash confirmed that around 60 individuals have been detained following incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism in Tonk. “Violence broke out as supporters engaged in stone-pelting and set multiple vehicles on fire during police efforts to detain Meena,” he stated.
Background on the SDM Slap Incident
The altercation reportedly began when Meena tried to forcefully enter the polling station in Samraota during the voting process. A dispute arose as he claimed the SDM allowed three voters to cast their votes without transparency, which agitated the crowd. Meena also alleged issues with the visibility of his election symbol on the EVM, making it difficult for supporters to recognize.
Meena’s Demands for Panchayat Realignment
In a video statement, Meena, currently on a dharna with villagers from Samraota panchayat, demanded the realignment of their panchayat under the Uniara sub-division instead of Deoli. He urged the Tonk collector to submit a formal request to the chief minister to adjust administrative boundaries for the villagers’ convenience.
