Rajasthan bypolls: SDM assaulted, stones pelted, vehicles torched in Tonk; 60 arrested

A major violence broke out in the Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency in Rajasthan’s Tonk district after Independent candidate Naresh Meena allegedly slapped sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary at a polling station on Wednesday.

The incident, which took place in Tonk district’s Samravata village, led to violence, arson, and clashes between police and supporters of Meena, who is running as an Independent candidate in the poll-bound constituency.

Ajmer range inspector-general of police Om Prakash confirmed that 60 people were arrested following the chaos that ensued after the alleged assault.

“There was a ruckus, stone pelting, and arson incident in Samravata village late last night when police tried to apprehend Naresh Meena, Independent candidate for Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency by-polls in Tonk district after he allegedly physically assaulted SDM Amit Chaudhary at a polling booth yesterday,” he said.

“Many vehicles were set on fire and vandalised. So far, 60 people have been arrested in this case,” Prakash told news agency ANI.

Naresh Meena’s response
Independent candidate Meena told news agency PTI that the district collector and SP were responsible for the entire episode. “All 60 people who have been arrested are innocent. If anyone should be punished, then it should be me,” he said.

In response to the incident, Meena had taken to social media platform X earlier, stating, “Main theek hu… na dare the na darenge, aage ki ranniti bata di jayegi (I am fine… I am not scared and will never be, will inform about further plans).”