Naresh Meena, an independent candidate in the by-election for the Deoli-Uniara Assembly seat in Rajasthan, was arrested on Thursday. This happened after a dramatic incident where he was caught on camera slapping an election official. The video of the incident quickly spread on social media. After this, the police organised a large operation to arrest him, with officers dressed in full protective gear. Just before he was arrested, Meena told reporters, “I will not surrender,” and urged his supporters to “surround the police... and block traffic.”

Why was Naresh Meena arrested?

Naresh Meena was arrested for slapping Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Choudhary at a polling booth during voting. The incident was recorded on video, showing Meena walking into the booth, grabbing the SDM by the collar, and slapping him twice before police officers stopped him. Meena claimed that Choudhary had added three extra votes for another candidate. Meena explained, “When I asked who was forcing them, they said it was the SDM. Yes, I slapped him, but I did it because he was doing something wrong.”

The police shared a different story about the incident. According to Tonk Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Sangwan, some people were refusing to vote in the local panchayat election. The SDM and Tehsil officers went there to try to talk to them, but during this discussion, the independent candidate Naresh Meena slapped the SDM.

Meena's arrest required a carefully planned police operation. Senior officers led the operation, and police were equipped with riot control gear. Videos shared by ANI showed a large number of officers carrying sticks (lathis), shields, and wearing protective vests and helmets as they moved down a rural road. Police vehicles, including a special anti-riot vehicle, were also involved. SP Vikas Sangwan told ANI, “We will approach strategically... we will request him to surrender and not take the law in his hands.”

Protests and violence after Naresh Meena’s arrest

After Naresh Meena’s arrest, his supporters started protesting. They blocked a highway near the village of Samravata, where the incident had happened. Another video showed police officers in riot gear walking along the highway, carefully avoiding piles of burning straw on the road. Brijendra Singh Bhati, Additional SP of Tonk, said, “They were probably supporters of Meena. We have cleared the roadblock. The situation will be under control.”

The incident triggered violent reactions, with people damaging property and setting things on fire. Eight vehicles, including police cars and more than 24 motorcycles, were burned. Because of the disorder, extra police officers were sent to help control the situation.

What does Naresh Meena claim?

After the incident, Naresh Meena posted on social media, saying, “Main theek hu... na dare the na darenge (I am fine... I am not scared and will never be." He accused Harish Chandra Meena, the Congress MP from Tonk, of being involved in the situation. Meena alleged that Harish Meena had conspired against him, saying, “Harish Meena is involved... He got my ticket cancelled and has conspired against me before. He may even arrange my encounter (killing).”

He wanted to compete for the Deoli-Uniara seat, but the party picked Kastor Chand Meena instead. Because of this, Naresh Meena chose to run as an independent candidate, getting support from the Bharat Adivasi Party.

Former CM Gehlot slams BJP

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticised the ruling BJP, saying the law-and-order situation in the state had deteriorated. He stated, “How did he (Meena) have the courage to do such a thing? This was not a minor incident. When there is no fear among people, they take the law into their hands. This is the situation in the state today.”

The Deoli-Uniara by-poll took place following Harish Chandra Meena's election to the Lok Sabha in the April-June general election. He had previously won this seat in both the 2018 and 2023 Assembly elections. Deoli-Uniara is part of the Tonk area, where Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot holds significant influence. The result of this by-poll will be announced on November 23.