NEW DELHI: As many as 60 people have been arrested following incidents of unrest, stone-pelting, and arson in Rajasthan's Tonk district after an independent candidate slapped a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) at a polling booth during Deoli-Uniara assembly byelection on Wednesday.
"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. Many vehicles were set on fire and vandalised. So far 60 people have been arrested in this case," said Ajmer Range IG Om Prakash
Brijendra Singh Bhati, Tonk Additional Superintendent of Police (SP), said that the police were analysing the losses and have made arrests.
"We are analysing the loss. We have made a few arrests. We are looking for him (Naresh Meena)... We will get into the details later," Additional SP Bhati said.
The violence began when police tried to arrest Naresh Meena, a Congress rebel who allegedly assaulted SDM Amit Chaudhary at a polling booth, sparking tensions.
Villagers surrounded the on-duty officers, throwing stones at them. In response, police fired tear gas shells to control the crowd.
At least 10 policemen were injured in the clash and were taken to a hospital in Tonk for treatment. Supporters of Meena also set vehicles ablaze during the altercation.
Meena had slapped the SDM for making efforts to get more people to vote while locals had boycotted polling over a demand. Meena was supporting the villagers.
After the incident, Naresh Meena took to X to say that he was fine and will inform about further plans.
"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," Meena, Independent candidate from Deoli Uniara assembly constituency said on X.
Polling for bypolls on seven assembly seats, including Deoli-Uniara, was held today from 7am to 6pm and counting will take place on November 23.
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