In a high-drama incident during the Rajasthan by-poll, Naresh Meena, an independent candidate and Congress rebel, was arrested on Thursday following accusations of assaulting Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary. The incident took place in Tonk district during polling and was caught on camera, leading to widespread unrest and violence.
The Incident: Assault and High Drama in Tonk
The by-poll in Rajasthan’s Tonk district turned chaotic when Naresh Meena, an independent candidate running for the legislative assembly, slapped SDM Amit Chaudhary after grabbing him by the collar. The clash was sparked by ongoing disputes in Samravta village, where villagers had boycotted polling over demands for inclusion in the Uniara sub-division instead of Deoli. This demand was based on proximity, as Uniara was closer to the villagers.
According to reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI), the SDM was trying to convince the villagers to participate in the polling. Naresh Meena, who had been supporting the villagers’ cause, allegedly lost his temper and physically attacked Chaudhary. This incident was captured by camera crews, adding to the tension that quickly escalated in the area.
Violence Erupts After the Incident
Following the assault, the situation in Tonk spiralled into violence, with angry crowds torching vehicles and clashing with the police. Around 60 two-wheelers and 18 four-wheelers were set ablaze as unrest spread across the area. Meena and his supporters staged a dharna (sit-in protest) in Samravta village, refusing to leave, which led to further clashes between the protesters and police personnel.
The police tried to maintain order, but violence broke out when stones were pelted at officers. A total of 60 people were arrested as law enforcement struggled to control the chaos. Tear gas was used to disperse the agitated mob after Meena’s arrest, while several alleged supporters of Meena blocked roads, leading to widespread disruption in the region.
Government Offices Affected by Strike
The incident also sparked a strike by the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) Association, whose members called for a pen-down strike across government offices to demand the arrest of Naresh Meena. Government work was brought to a halt during the morning hours, as RAS members sought an immediate response from the state government and a meeting with Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.
The RAS Association’s demands were clear—swift action against Meena to ensure that public officials are protected while on duty. They vowed to continue the strike until their demands were addressed, leading to a significant disruption in administrative work across the state.
Arrest of Naresh Meena
Naresh Meena was arrested on Thursday morning after a careful and coordinated effort by the Rajasthan Police. The operation to arrest Meena involved senior police officers, including Tonk Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Sangwan, who deployed officers in full riot gear and conducted a flag march to demonstrate authority. The arrest was ultimately executed under the direction of SP Sangwan, who led the team into the village to take Meena into custody.
In the face of arrest, Meena remained defiant, telling reporters, “I will not surrender,” as he was surrounded by his supporters and the media. However, he was eventually taken into custody amidst the tense atmosphere in Samravta, approximately 100 kilometres from Jaipur. Police ensured the situation was under control by mounting a vigil and keeping restless crowds at bay.
Legal Action and Allegations
Four cases have been registered against Naresh Meena, including charges of disrupting public work and damaging public property. Inspector General of Police (Ajmer) Om Prakash confirmed these charges and stated that the police would ensure a thorough investigation to bring those responsible for the violence to justice.
Naresh Meena, however, did not shy away from admitting to his actions. He blamed Tonk District Collector Saumya Jha and SP Sangwan for the events that transpired. Speaking to reporters, Meena said, “All 60 people who have been arrested are innocent. If anyone should be punished, it should be me.” He also accused the SDM of acting under pressure from the ruling BJP, claiming that Chaudhary had coerced villagers into voting by threatening them with repercussions.
“He got 30 people to vote by threatening them. I could not stop myself. I slapped him. It is correct. Seeing his nature, he should have been slapped more,” Meena declared defiantly.
Aftermath and Political Reactions
The arrest of Naresh Meena and the subsequent violence in Tonk have sparked political reactions across the state. Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham addressed the situation, stating that the government would not spare anyone involved in illegal activities. “It could be anyone… the government is strict with those who commit crime. We are getting the entire incident investigated and asked for a report, and soon action will be taken against those who are guilty,” Bedham said, as quoted by PTI.
Polling for the by-elections on seven assembly seats, including the Deoli-Uniara constituency where the violence occurred, took place on Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 23. The bypoll has become a contentious political issue in the state, with accusations flying between parties, and Meena’s actions drawing widespread condemnation.
Community Demands and Ongoing Tensions
The tension in Samravta village and the subsequent incidents of violence highlight the underlying dissatisfaction among villagers regarding their administrative inclusion. The demand to be included in the Uniara sub-division instead of Deoli has been a point of contention for some time, as villagers feel that Uniara is geographically and administratively more convenient.
While Meena’s actions were extreme and have led to severe legal consequences, they have also brought to the forefront the grievances of the local population, who feel neglected by the current administrative boundaries. This bypoll incident, which should have been a peaceful democratic exercise, has instead raised questions about governance, law enforcement, and the political manoeuvring behind administrative decisions.
Key Takeaways and Future Implications
The incident involving Naresh Meena has brought to light significant issues in Rajasthan’s governance and political climate. The violent events following Meena’s attack on SDM Amit Chaudhary demonstrate the challenges faced by local authorities in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of public officials. The response from the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) Association, which included a statewide strike, highlights the frustration and fear among government employees who feel vulnerable to such incidents.
Meena’s arrest, while necessary, has also underscored the grievances of the local community in Samravta. The villagers’ demand for inclusion in the Uniara sub-division reflects deeper administrative issues that have long been ignored. While Meena’s actions were unlawful, the unrest points to a disconnect between the government’s administrative decisions and the needs of the people they serve.
The political ramifications of the incident are still unfolding, with accusations of bias and political manoeuvring adding fuel to the fire. As the bypoll results are awaited, the state government must address both the immediate concerns of law and order and the underlying administrative grievances that led to this conflict. Ensuring accountability, both from public officials and political leaders, will be key to restoring trust and preventing future incidents.
The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping not only the electoral outcome but also the broader political and administrative dynamics in Rajasthan. The government’s ability to handle the aftermath of this incident and to address the legitimate concerns of the local community will serve as a litmus test for its commitment to justice and effective governance. The arrest of Naresh Meena following his brazen attack on SDM Amit Chaudhary has not only led to widespread violence but has also exposed deep-rooted issues in Rajasthan’s local governance. The unrest and the RAS Association’s strike reflect the gravity of the situation, as government officials demand greater protection and accountability.
As the state braces for the outcome of the by-polls, the focus remains on ensuring that law and order are maintained and that political leaders are held accountable for their actions. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining not just the electoral outcomes, but also the broader implications for Rajasthan’s political and administrative landscape.