Rajasthan by-elections: 60 people arrested after SDM was attacked, stones were thrown, and cars were set on fire in Tonk

The incident happened in Samravata village in Deoli-Uniyara during a protest by supporters of an independent candidate, according to Rajasthan police.

After Independent candidate Naresh Meena allegedly slapped sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary at a polling station on Wednesday, there was a significant outbreak of violence in the Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency in Rajasthan's Tonk district.

Violence, fire, and altercations between police and Meena's supporters—who is standing as an Independent in the poll-bound constituency—were the results of the incident, which happened in the Samravata village in the Tonk district.

Om Prakash, the inspector general of police for the Ajmer range, said that 60 persons were taken into custody as a result of the commotion that followed 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," according to him.

Numerous cars were vandalized and burned. Prakash told news outlet ANI that 60 people had been arrested in this investigation thus far.

The reply from Naresh Meena
Meena, an independent candidate, told news agency PTI that the entire incident was the fault of the SP and the district collector. "The 60 individuals who were taken into custody are all innocent. "I should be punished if anyone should be," he declared.

"Main theek hu... na dare the na darenge, aage ki ranniti bata di jayegi" (I am OK...) was Meena's earlier post on social media platform X in response to the event. I'm not afraid and never will be; I'll keep you updated on any new plans.

The event that caused the disturbance
As some people started throwing stones and burning cars, including police cars, the violence intensified. During the altercation, more than two dozen two-wheelers and about eight four-wheelers were destroyed or burned. Only after more cops were sent in was the situation brought under control.

Brijendra Singh Bhati, the additional superintendent of police (SP) for Tonk, stated that the police were determining the extent of the damage. "The loss is being examined. A few people have been arrested," Bhati stated.

To restore calm, local officials stepped up police presence in the region. Tonk SP Vikas Sangwan described the event in detail to media, saying that Meena allegedly stormed the polling station and physically attacked the SDM while officials were there to deal with a boycott of voting in Samravata village. Some residents of Samravata village had abstained from voting.


The SDM, Tehsildar, Additional SP, and other authorities were present to evaluate the situation. Independent candidate Naresh Meena attacked the SDM with physical force during this period after entering the polling place. At once, the Additional SP took Naresh Meena out of the location," he said.

SP Sangwan promised that Meena would face legal repercussions. "As required by law, he will face consequences. After we got there and talked to the locals, voting calmly proceeded," he continued.

Authorities continue to keep an eye on the area in an effort to stop the situation from getting worse.