Amid protest, Cops Arrest Candidate Naresh Meena For Slapping Official

Rajasthan Independent candidate Naresh Meena was arrested today amid high drama for slapping an election official during bypolls in Tonk district on Wednesday. The arrest follows violent protests yesterday by hundreds of Meena's supporters as the police tried to take him into custody; vehicles were set ablaze and stones were thrown, leading the cops to tear-gas the protesters.

Today Naresh Meena was arrested in a "strategic" operation by a large police team, which included senior officers and cops in full riot gear. Minutes before he was cornered and taken into custody Meena declared to reporters "I will not surrender", and called on his followers to "surround the police... jam traffic".

Videos shared by a news agency showed dozens of cops, almost all carrying lathis and shields, and wearing protective vests and helmets, marching down a rural road. Police vehicles and an anti-riot vehicle were also seen. "We will approach strategically... we will request him to surrender and not take the law in his hands," Vikas Sangwan, the Superintendent of Police in Tonk district, said before the arrest.

Meena's arrest triggered more violent protests by his supporters, scores of whom gathered to block the highway outside the village of Samravata, which was where the 'slap-gate' incident took place. A video showed dozens of cops in riot gear marching down the highway, skirting piles of burning straw scattered around them. "They were probably supporters of Meena. We have cleared the roadblock. The situation will be under control," Brijendra Singh Bhati, Additional SP (Tonk), said.

Tensions flared in Samravata village late on Wednesday after police attempted to arrest Meena for assaulting Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary outside a polling booth where the official was overseeing election procedures. The attack was caught on camera as police attempted to arrest Meena, violence erupted, with rioters throwing stones at officers and setting vehicles on fire. Ajmer Range IG Om Prakash confirmed that at least 60 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest.

The aftermath left a trail of destruction in the village. Nearly 24 large vehicles and 48 motorcycles were put on fire, with significant damage to several homes. In response, Special Task Force (STF) units were deployed early Thursday morning to conduct search operations and restore order.

Tonk SP Vikas Sangwan explained the sequence of events, “In Samravata village, some people had boycotted voting. To address the issue, SDM, Tehsildar, Additional SP, and other officers visited the area. During this time, independent candidate Naresh Meena entered the polling station and physically assaulted the SDM. The Additional SP immediately restrained him. Action will be taken as per the law. Following our intervention, voting resumed peacefully.”

The Rajasthan Administrative Service Officers' Association came out in support of the SDM and demanded Meena's arrest.