Violence Erupts Outside Polling Booth in Tonk During Rajasthan Bypolls Amid Supporter Clashes

Violence broke out near a polling booth in Tonk district during bypolls when supporters of Independent candidate Naresh Meena allegedly attacked police and set a vehicle on fire. The incident occurred on Wednesday night after police attempted to disperse Meena and his supporters, who were protesting outside a polling station in Samravta village, Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency.

Earlier in the day, Meena had slapped an RAS officer on election duty. He then sat on a protest outside the polling booth, urging his supporters to join him with sticks. After voting ended, police requested Meena and his group to leave so the polling party could depart with EVM machines. However, they reportedly turned violent and threw stones at the police.

Police Response and Situation Control

IG Ajmer Omprakash stated that a significant police force was deployed in the village to manage the situation. Tear gas shells were used by the police to control the crowd after stones were thrown at them. The exact number of vehicles set on fire will be confirmed once the mob is dispersed, but one vehicle was confirmed burnt.

Hundreds of people participated in the protest outside the polling station. Meena's actions included slapping SDM Malpura Amit Chaudhary for encouraging more people to vote despite a local boycott over specific demands. Meena was supporting these villagers' cause.

Demands for Arrest and Strike Threat

The RAS officers association has demanded Naresh Meena's arrest, threatening a pen-down strike across the state from Thursday if he is not apprehended. They are pressing for action against Meena due to his assault on an officer during election duties.

Polling for by-elections on seven assembly seats, including Deoli-Uniara, took place from 7 am to 6 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 23. Naresh Meena, a Congress rebel, contested as an independent candidate in Deoli-Uniara.

The police are actively working to restore order following the unrest caused by Meena's supporters. The situation remains tense as authorities strive to ensure safety and security in the area.