Naresh Meena – the impartial candidate in Wednesday’s by-poll for Rajasthan’s Deoli-Uniara Assembly seat who slapped an election official on digicam – was arrested Thursday amid excessive drama.
He was arrested after a “strategic” operation by a big police group, which included senior officers and cops in full riot gear. Minutes earlier than he was cornered and brought into custody Meena declared to reporters “I can’t give up”, and known as on his followers to “encompass the police… jam visitors”.
Videos shared by information company ANI confirmed dozens of cops, nearly all carrying lathis and shields, and sporting protecting vests and helmets, marching down a rural highway. Police automobiles and an anti-riot car have been additionally seen. “We will method strategically… we are going to request him to give up and never take the regulation in his palms,” Vikas Sangwan, the Superintendent of Police in Tonk district, informed ANI.
#WATCH | Tonk, Rajastha: Police arrests Naresh Meena from Samravata VIllage.
Naresh Meena, impartial candidate for Deoli Uniara meeting constituency by-polls in Tonk district, after he allegedly bodily assaulted SDM Amit Chaudhary at a polling sales space yesterday pic.twitter.com/v8meme4qsw
— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2024
The ‘slap-gate’ incident came about at a polling station in Samravata villa.
Naresh Meena’s ‘Slap-Gate’ Video
A video that went viral confirmed Meena strolling into the sales space, grabbing Sub-Divisional Magistrate Amit Choudhary by the collar, and smacking his head. He landed two blows earlier than the cops restrained him.
VIDEO | Rajasthan Official Slapped By Independent Candidate Outside Booth
Meena alleged Choudhary contrived so as to add three additional votes at that sales space.
“My plan was to go to each sales space… however I came upon all the administration was working to make sure the BJP candidate will win. People have been being compelled to vote,” he claimed, “When I requested who was forcing them they mentioned it was the SDM. Yes, I slapped him however I did it as a result of he was doing one thing mistaken.”
The police, nonetheless, had a unique story; SP Sangwan mentioned, “Some folks have been boycotting the panchayat election. The SDM and Tehsil officers went to persuade them however, through the negotiation, the impartial candidate (Naresh Meena) slapped him (the SDM).”
#WATCH | Tonk, Rajasthan: “I can’t give up,” says Naresh Meena, as police reaches Samravata VIllage to arrest him. pic.twitter.com/AN6T9qSQPf
— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2024
‘Slap-Gate’ Violence
The assault on the polling official triggered violent reactions throughout, together with vandalism and arson, and a failed try and arrest Naresh Meena final evening. Inspector-General (Ajmer Range) Om Prakash this morning mentioned, “There was ruckus… stone pelting and arson… in Samravata village late final evening after we tried to arrest Naresh Meena. So far 60 folks have additionally been arrested.”
Eight vehicles, together with police automobiles, and over two dozen bikes have been set on hearth throughout violence between unidentified people and the police, prompting deployment of extra forces.
“Cases have been registered on expenses of obstructing authorities officers, fleeing police custody, and vandalising public property. Many instances are already registered… we are going to guarantee stringent motion.”
“Not Scared”, Meena’s Boast
Immediately after the ‘slap-gate’ row Meena, then on the run, posted in Hindi on X, “Main theek hu… na dare the na darenge (I’m high quality… I’m not scared and can by no means be).” He additionally accused the Congress’ Tonk MP, Harish Chandra Meena, of orchestrating the incident. “Harish Meena is concerned… he bought my ticket canceled and has conspired towards me earlier than. He could even organize my encounter (killing).”
Meena was suspended from the Congress final week after flouting get together orders.
READ | Days Before Bypoll, Congress Suspends Rebel Leader Naresh Meena
He needed to contest the seat however the get together opted to area Kastor Chand Meena. A disgruntled Meena then mentioned he would stand as an impartial candidate with assist from the Bharat Adivasi Party.
The Deoli-Uniara by-poll was triggered after Harish Chandra Meena, who gained the seat within the 2018 and 2023 Assembly elections, was elected to the Lok Sabha within the April-June normal election.
Deoli-Uniara is inside the Tonk Lok Sabha constituency, which Harish Meena gained and through which senior Congress chief and ex Deputy Chief Minister, Sachin Pilot, is seen to have important sway.
The results of the by-poll will probably be introduced on November 23.
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