Tension flared in Rajasthan’s Tonk district following a major violence after Independent candidate Naresh Meena allegedly slapped sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary at a polling station on Wednesday. This incident resulted in violence, arson, and clashes between supporters of Meena in the poll-bound constituency.
The incident was also captured on camera and has made the rounds on the social media platform X. In the video, Meena could be seen slapping the SDM outside a polling booth.
Following this, the cops tried to arrest Meena, but this resulted in violence, with rioters throwing stones at officers, setting vehicles ablaze, and escalating tension.
Ajmer range inspector-general of police Om Prakash confirmed that 60 people were arrested following the chaos that ensued after the alleged assault.
“There was a ruckus, stone-pelting, and arson incident in Samravata village late last night when police tried to apprehend Naresh Meena, an independent candidate for Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency by-polls in Tonk district, after he allegedly physically assaulted SDM Amit Chaudhary at a polling booth yesterday,” he said.
“Many vehicles were set on fire and vandalized. So far, 60 people have been arrested in this case,” Prakash reported to news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, Meena has told news agency PTI that the responsible persons for the incident were the district collector and SP. He further said that all 60 arrested were innocent, and if anyone should be punished, then it should be him.
“All 60 people who have been arrested are innocent. If anyone should be punished, then it should be me,” he said.
Taking to social media platform X Meena has also stated that, “Main theek hu… na dare the na darenge, aage ki ranniti bata di jayegi (I am fine… I am not scared and will never be, will inform you about further plans).”
