Rajasthan cops arrest Naresh Meena, who slapped SDM, after supporters protest, torch vehicles in Tonk

Independent candidate Naresh Meena was arrested by the Rajasthan police as high drama ensued in the Tonk area a day after Meena – candidate for Deoli-Uniara Assembly bypolls – slapped Malpura sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Amit Choudhary at a polling station in Deoli subdivision.

The incident, which took place in Tonk district’s Samravata village, led to violence, arson, and clashes between police and supporters of Meena. He was earlier suspended by the Congress for contesting as an independent after it nominated Kastor Chand Meena over him for the Deoli-Uniara by-election.

He was arrested after an operation by a large police team, which included senior officers and cops in riot gear. Minutes before he was cornered and taken into custody Meena had declared “I will not surrender”, and called on his followers to “surround the police… jam traffic”.

Vikas Sangwan, the Superintendent of Police in Tonk district, told ANI, “He was asked to not take the law into his hands and surrender. Initially, he was not in the mood but seeing the police force, he agreed. He will be charged under relevant sections. Older records will be opened and arrests will be made accordingly. 50-60 people have been detained in this case.”

Also Read: Rajasthan SDM slapped by Congress rebel candidate outside booth during bypolls | Video

The assault on the SDM on Wednesday triggered violent reactions all around, including vandalism and arson and a failed attempt to arrest Naresh Meena last night. Inspector-General (Ajmer Range) Om Prakash on Thursday morning said, “There was ruckus… stone pelting and arson… in Samravata village late last night after we tried to arrest Naresh Meena. So far 60 people have also been arrested.”

Eight cars, including police vehicles, and over two dozen motorcycles were set on fire during violence that broke out between unidentified individuals (likely supporters of Meena) and the police, prompting deployment of additional forces to restore law and order.

Naresh Meena, who contested Assembly bypolls as an independent candidate in the Deoli-Uniara constituency, on Wednesday slapped Malpura sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Amit Choudhary at a polling station in Deoli subdivision.

The incident was caught on camera and the video soon went viral on social media. The incident took place at Samravata polling station. The video shows Meena walking into the polling booth, slapping SDM Amit Choudhary who was on duty to oversee election protocol.

Speaking to the media later, Meena alleged irregularities in voting, claiming he had been “informed that the SDM had allowed three fake voters to cast their vote”, Indian Express reported.