Violence Erupts in Rajasthan’s Deoli-Uniara After Candidate Allegedly Assaults SDM at Polling Station

GG News Bureau
Tonk, Rajasthan, 14th Nov: Major violence broke out in the Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency of Tonk district on Wednesday after Independent candidate Naresh Meena allegedly slapped sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary at a polling station in Samravata village. The incident escalated into clashes, arson, and stone-pelting, prompting a heavy police response.

Inspector-General of Police Om Prakash confirmed that 60 people were arrested following the chaos, which included setting vehicles on fire and damaging police cars. “There was unrest, stone pelting, and arson in Samravata village last night when police attempted to apprehend Naresh Meena after he allegedly assaulted SDM Amit Chaudhary at the polling booth,” Prakash told reporters.

Independent candidate Meena accused local officials of responsibility for the disturbance, asserting that the arrested individuals were innocent. “If anyone is to be punished, it should be me,” he told PTI. Meena also took to social media, 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).”

The altercation reportedly began when Meena entered the polling station where officials, including the SDM and Tehsildar, were addressing a local voting boycott. According to Tonk SP Vikas Sangwan, Meena allegedly confronted and assaulted the SDM, leading to immediate action to remove him from the site.

VIDEO | Rajasthan: Violence erupted outside a polling booth in #Tonk district – where bypolls were being held – when alleged supporters of Independent candidate Naresh Meena pelted stones at police and set ablaze vehicles on Wednesday night.

This happened after the police force… pic.twitter.com/QudylTwKlZ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 14, 2024

Additional SP Brijendra Singh Bhati confirmed that authorities were assessing the damage, which included eight four-wheelers and over two dozen two-wheelers set ablaze. Additional police forces have since been deployed to maintain order in the area, though the atmosphere remains tense as officials closely monitor the situation to prevent further violence.