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The incident unfolded in Samravata village in Rajasthan's Tonk district, where tensions escalated after police attempted to apprehend Naresh Meena, an independent candidate contesting the Deoli-Uniara by-polls. Meena had been accused of physically assaulting Amit Chaudhary, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), outside a polling booth. The altercation was captured on video, showing Meena slapping the SDM while Chaudhary was overseeing election procedures.
The attempted arrest of Meena sparked widespread unrest, with rioters engaging in acts of violence. Protesters hurled stones at police officers and set multiple vehicles on fire, causing significant damage to property. The violence left a trail of destruction in the village, with reports indicating that approximately 24 large vehicles and 48 motorcycles were torched, along with damage to several homes. In response to the unrest, Special Task Force (STF) units were dispatched early Thursday morning to conduct search operations and restore order.
Tonk SP Vikas Sangwan provided an account of the events, stating that some individuals in Samravata village had boycotted voting. To address the situation, a team of officials, including the SDM, Tehsildar, Additional SP, and others, visited the area. During this visit, Meena entered the polling station and assaulted the SDM. The Additional SP intervened to restrain Meena. Authorities asserted that legal action would be taken against those involved in the violence. Following the intervention, voting resumed peacefully.
Meena defended his actions by alleging that SDM Amit Chaudhary had previously assaulted locals. He claimed that the SDM had beaten a woman in Hindoli, along with her husband and a teacher, and had coerced them into voting under threats of job loss. He further asserted that his supporters had faced harassment since October 25, with campaign posters being torn down and attempts being made to obstruct his campaign efforts. Despite the tensions, security forces were deployed to prevent further violence, and investigations were underway to identify those responsible for the unrest. The Rajasthan Administrative Service officers' association demanded the arrest of Meena.
The incident highlights the volatile political atmosphere in Rajasthan, where tensions surrounding elections can quickly escalate into violence. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and order during elections, while ensuring that all participants are treated fairly and with respect. Further investigations are expected to shed more light on the events leading up to the violence and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Source: Violence as cops try to arrest Rajasthan politician for slapping poll official