The bypolls in Tonk, Rajasthan, took a dramatic turn when independent MLA candidate Naresh Meena was arrested on November 14, 2024, following a violent confrontation with Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary.¹ ² The incident occurred during polling, resulting in unrest and the arrest of 60 individuals. Meena, a Congress rebel contesting as an independent, had been supporting locals who were boycotting polling over a demand to include Samravta village in Uniara sub-division instead of Deoli.
The altercation between Meena and SDM Chaudhary quickly escalated into violence, with vehicles being torched and stones pelted at police. Approximately 60 two-wheelers and 18 four-wheelers were damaged in the chaos. The police responded by arresting 60 people and registering four cases against Meena, including disrupting public work and damaging public property.
[news_related_post]The incident has sparked widespread concern, with the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) Association calling for a pen-down strike, affecting government work for some time. The violence has also raised questions about the safety and security of polling stations and the potential for clashes between political rivals.
In the aftermath of the incident, Meena’s arrest has been met with mixed reactions. Some have condemned his actions, while others see him as a champion of local causes. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the outcome of the bypolls and the broader political landscape in Rajasthan.
