Congress Rebel Naresh Meena Arrested After Slapping SDM, Calls Supporters to Block Traffic Amid High Drama

Congress Rebel Naresh Meena Arrested After Slapping SDM, Calls Supporters to Block Traffic Amid High Drama

The Rajasthan Police detained Naresh Meena, an independent candidate, on Thursday after he allegedly assaulted a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) at a polling booth during the Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency by-elections in Tonk district. The arrest, carried out by top police officers in a deliberate operation, involved officials donning protective gear as they proceeded through a rural area. Just before his arrest, Meena encouraged his supporters to “surround the police and block traffic.”

This arrest comes after a dramatic sequence of events on Wednesday night when police attempted to detain Meena for allegedly slapping SDM Amit Chaudhary as he was observing election protocols. A video of the incident circulated online, capturing the horrifying moment and adding to the district’s already hostile mood. Meena, a former Congress leader, was expelled from the party after deciding to compete as an independent candidate in the Deoli-Uniara by-election, after Kastor Chand Meena’s nomination.

Credit: Ghar Ke Kalesh

What Led to the Conflict

The incident occurred in Samarwata village, where local voters were boycotting the poll to demand that their panchayat be included in the Uniara constituency rather than Deoli, according to officials. Amid escalating tensions, Meena accused the SDM of attempting to undermine the boycott by allegedly allowing three individuals to vote secretly, infuriating the former Congress candidate.

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Vikas Sangwan, Superintendent of Police, Tonk, stated, “He (Meena) was advised not to take the law into his hands and surrender. He initially protested, but when he saw the cops, he complied. “He will face charges under the relevant sections.” During the arrest, incidences of stone-throwing and minor arson were recorded. The police have apprehended about 50-60 people connected to the riots. Furthermore, investigators stated that previous documents involving Meena would be investigated, and additional arrests are expected.