Independent Candidate Allegedly Assaults Election Officer Amid Rajasthan By-Election

Jaipur: In a disturbing incident during the Deoli-Uniyara Assembly by-election, Independent candidate Naresh Meena reportedly slapped Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary, who was on duty, according to official sources. Voting for seven assembly seats in Rajasthan was underway, with 25 percent of ballots cast by 11 am. The final vote count is scheduled for November 23. Congress rebel Naresh Meena, running as an independent candidate, allegedly grabbed Chaudhary by the collar and slapped him. The incident intensified tensions at the polling site.

Tonk Collector and District Election Officer Soumya Jha reported that Samravata village residents announced a boycott of the by-elections. Jha explained that Samravata village currently falls under Nagar Fort tehsil, while residents demand to be moved under Uniyara tehsil due to its proximity. Independent candidate Naresh Meena supported the villagers’ stance. Jha mentioned that SDM Chaudhary was in the village to facilitate voting when the altercation with Meena occurred. Regarding the villagers’ demands, Jha clarified that the matter would be reviewed once the election model code of conduct is lifted.

The situation escalated in Samravata, with reports of stone-pelting and arson following the alleged assault. Ajmer Range Inspector-General of Police, Om Prakash, confirmed the arrest of 60 individuals involved in the violence, which included vehicle fires and vandalism. Additional police forces were promptly deployed to restore order.

Brijendra Singh Bhati, Tonk’s Additional Superintendent of Police, indicated that authorities are assessing damages while continuing the search for Naresh Meena. Tonk SP Vikas Sangwan added that SDM Chaudhary and other officials were assessing conditions in the area when the altercation occurred. Voting resumed peacefully after the incident was contained.

Naresh Meena addressed the public via social media, stating he remains unshaken by the event and will share further plans soon.