Outrage has grown following the disturbances that occurred during the voting for the by-election of seven assembly seats in Rajasthan on Wednesday. The situation escalated when independent candidate Naresh Meena slapped the SDM officer who was on duty during the voting process in Tonk district.
This incident has drawn state-wide condemnation from administrative associations and has intensified demands for Meena's arrest. According to reports, Meena has surrendered and has been taken into custody.
Meena supporters clashed with police and indulged in arson. Over 60 people have been taken in custody.
Voting was held for by-elections on seven assembly seats in Rajasthan on Wednesday. Voting was also held on the Deoli-Uniyara assembly seat of Tonk district. On Wednesday afternoon, during voting, there was a ruckus at a polling booth.
Independent candidate Naresh Meena slapped SDM Amit Chaudhary posted on election duty. Naresh Meena rebelled against the Congress and was contesting the election as an independent. He caught the collar of Malpura SDM Amit Chaudhary and slapped him.
Meena claimed SDM facilitated fraudulent voting
Meena claimed that Chaudhary, in collaboration with three government employees, facilitated fraudulent voting.
Tensions escalated when Meena demanded that the district collector arrive at the polling station to address his grievances. As the situation heated up, a video capturing the incident went viral, further igniting public interest and condemnation.
State-Wide Outrage and Strikes
The assault on the SDM officer prompted a strong reaction from government officials across Rajasthan. The RAS Association, led by President Mahavir Kharari, called for strict action against Meena and warned of a state-wide strike if no arrest was made. Similarly, other officer groups, including the IAS Association, joined in solidarity, demanding accountability. The collective outrage led to heightened pressures on local authorities to act swiftly.
Meena supporters clash with police
Following the conclusion of voting on Wednesday evening, police forces attempted to apprehend Naresh Meena, resulting in clashes with his supporters. These confrontations turned violent, involving incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and even gunfire. In an effort to disperse the agitated crowd, police deployed tear gas, leading to further chaos. During the unrest, Meena managed to evade arrest, intensifying the urgency of the search for him.
Meena Surrenders
On Thursday morning, Meena resurfaced in Samravata village, where he eventually surrendered. Top officials from Jaipur, including senior police administrators, rushed to the scene to oversee the situation. State Cabinet Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena also arrived in Deoli Uniara to lend his support amid the mounting tensions.
4 FIRs filed against Meena
Ajmer Range Inspector General (IG) disclosed to the media that four FIRs had been filed against Meena under charges related to obstruction of government duties, evasion of police custody, and vandalism of public property. Police reported that 60 people, including Meena, have been detained.
IG Om Prakash confirmed that Meena’s supporters injured ten police officers during the clashes. The incident also led to the destruction of multiple vehicles, including government-owned ones, and heightened security measures in the affected areas.
Meena alleges use of excessive force by police
In a statement to the media, Naresh Meena recounted his version of events, alleging excessive police force. He claimed that police used tear gas and chilli bombs, causing him and his supporters to seek refuge in nearby fields. He further accused the police of entering villagers' homes, damaging property, and assaulting women and children. These allegations, if confirmed, could complicate the narrative, as Meena’s supporters argue that they were victims of undue police aggression.
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