Controversy Erupts After Independent MLA Naresh Meena Slaps SDM Amit Chaudhary in Rajasthan

A major controversy has unfolded in Rajasthan's Tonk district following an incident on November 13, where Independent MLA Naresh Meena slapped Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary during a by-election at the Devli-Uniyara seat. The incident, followed by a demand from the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) Association for Meena's arrest, has led to widespread unrest. The violence that ensued on Wednesday night, including stone-pelting and arson, resulted in injuries to 14 police personnel and several civilians. Naresh Meena’s sudden disappearance into the crowd further complicated the situation. Political parties, including Congress, BJP, and others, have condemned the incident and demanded strict action against the perpetrators.

On Wednesday evening, after the unrest and arson escalated, Naresh Meena was arrested again on Thursday, but his supporters continued to protest. As police tried to transport Meena in a vehicle, his supporters attacked the police convoy with stones. In response, police used tear gas to control the situation, while urging people to maintain peace.

The RAS Association held a protest in Jaipur throughout Thursday and attempted to meet Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The protest eventually saw the participation of IAS officers and other government associations as well.

Incident Background

The incident began at the Samrawata village polling booth in Tonk's Devli-Uniyara constituency, where villagers had boycotted voting to demand the transfer of Samrawata from Nagarfort to Uniyara tehsil. Officials intervened and persuaded a few people to vote, angering Independent candidate Naresh Meena, a rebel Congress leader. Meena reached the polling station and slapped SDM Amit Chaudhary, who was the area magistrate. This sparked a sit-in protest in the village, which escalated further on Wednesday night.

At 9 PM, as police arrived to arrest Meena, his supporters attacked the police, freeing him from custody. This led to violent protests, stone-pelting, and arson, with numerous vehicles being set on fire. A dozen police officers and several villagers were injured and had to be hospitalized.

Arrest and Ongoing Protests

After the violence, police re-arrested Naresh Meena on Thursday afternoon. His supporters retaliated by blocking roads, burning tires, and staging protests. Security forces used tear gas to control the crowds, but protests continued. By Thursday evening, police had arrested 60 individuals involved in the violence, and they were taken to Lamba Harisingh police station under tight security.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police revealed that Naresh Meena has a long criminal history with 23 cases already registered against him in various police stations across the state. He is a wanted criminal in several cases, including theft, gambling, and assault. After the incident at Samrawata, four additional cases were filed, including one by SDM Amit Chaudhary for assault and obstruction of government duties.

Political Reactions

Kirodi Lal Meena, the senior cabinet minister in the Bhajan Lal government, visited Samrawata village on Thursday afternoon to speak with the villagers and Naresh Meena's supporters. Meena condemned the violence and emphasized that no one, whether a government official or a citizen, has the right to take the law into their own hands. He called for Meena's arrest and assured the police that they should act with restraint to avoid further escalation.

Central Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also condemned the incident, saying such acts have no place in a democratic system. He described the incident as "unfortunate" and "completely condemnable." Shekhawat stressed that while ideological differences are natural, such behavior was unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

Naresh Meena, in his defense, told the media that he did not flee from police custody but was ready to surrender. He accused Congress leader Harish Meena of conspiring to get him eliminated and claimed that the SDM, whom he slapped, was working as a BJP agent trying to sabotage his election campaign. He also alleged that the police had used excessive force against him and his supporters, including throwing chili bombs and damaging homes and vehicles. Meena further claimed that when the Collector was called to the scene, no action was taken, which led to the escalation of violence.

Police Statement on Meena’s Criminal Record

According to police records, Naresh Meena has been involved in criminal activities since 2002, with 23 cases registered against him. Sixteen of these cases have already been processed, while investigations are ongoing in six others. Charges against him include theft, gambling, and assault.

The Bigger Question

The incident raises serious questions about the state's law and order situation, with many wondering whether such events tarnish Rajasthan's image. It also calls into question what measures will be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and ensure that the guilty parties are held accountable. Will the Election Commission take steps to bar such candidates from contesting elections permanently? Only time will tell.

This controversy highlights a growing concern about the growing influence of money and muscle power in local elections and the breakdown of law and order in rural areas. It remains to be seen what action will be taken to restore peace and order in the region and prevent further violence.