Rajasthan By-Poll Violence: Independent Candidate Naresh Meena Arrested After Slapping SDM

Naresh Meena, the Independent candidate for Rajasthan's Deoli-Uniara Assembly by-election who slapped an election official on camera, was arrested on Thursday amid heightened tensions.

The arrest followed a "strategic" operation involving a large police team, including senior officers equipped with riot gear. Moments before his apprehension, Meena told reporters, "I will not surrender," urging his supporters to "surround the police... jam traffic."

Footage from news agency ANI depicted dozens of officers, many carrying batons and shields and wearing protective vests and helmets, advancing down a rural road.

Police vehicles and an anti-riot vehicle were also present. Vikas Sangwan, Superintendent of Police in Tonk district, told ANI, "We will approach strategically... we will request him to surrender and not take the law in his hands."

Naresh Meena's 'Slap-Gate' Video

A widely circulated video showed Meena walking into a polling booth, grabbing Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Choudhary by the collar, and striking his head twice before officers restrained him.

Meena alleged that Choudhary was involved in adding three extra votes at the booth, claiming, "My plan was to visit every booth... but I found out the entire administration was working to ensure the BJP candidate will win. People were being forced to vote," he said.

"When I asked who was forcing them, they said it was the SDM. Yes, I slapped him, but I did it because he was doing something wrong."

Police, however, presented a different account. SP Sangwan stated, "Some people were boycotting the panchayat election. The SDM and Tehsil officers went to convince them, but during the negotiation, the independent candidate (Naresh Meena) slapped him (the SDM)."

'Slap-Gate' Violence

The incident led to widespread violence, including vandalism, arson, and an unsuccessful attempt to arrest Meena the previous night.

Inspector-General (Ajmer Range) Om Prakash reported, "There was a 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 vehicles, including police cars, and over two dozen motorbikes were set on fire, leading to additional police deployments.

"Cases have been registered on charges of obstructing government officials, fleeing police custody, and damaging public property. Many cases are already registered... we will ensure stringent action."

Meena's Stays Defiant

After the 'slap-gate' incident, while evading arrest, Meena posted on X in Hindi, "Main theek hu... na dare the na darenge (I am fine... I am not scared and will never be)."

He further alleged that Harish Chandra Meena, the Congress MP for Tonk, orchestrated the incident, claiming, "Harish Meena is involved... he got my ticket cancelled and has conspired against me before. He may even arrange my encounter (killing)."

Meena was recently suspended from the Congress after defying party directives. Initially wanting to contest the Assembly seat, he stood as an Independent after Congress fielded Kastor Chand Meena, gaining support from the Bharat Adivasi Party.

The Deoli-Uniara by-election was called after Harish Chandra Meena, who won the seat in 2018 and 2023, was elected to the Lok Sabha in the April-June general election. This constituency falls within Tonk, where Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot is known to wield considerable influence.

The by-poll result is expected on November 23.