Thu Nov 14 07:56:58 UTC 2024: ## Independent Candidate Arrested After Slapping Election Official in Rajasthan Bypoll
**Tonk, Rajasthan:** Independent candidate Naresh Meena, who slapped an election official during Wednesday’s bypoll for Rajasthan’s Deoli-Uniara Assembly seat, was arrested on Thursday amid high drama. The arrest, which involved a large police team including senior officers and riot control personnel, followed a day of violence and protests by Meena’s supporters.
Meena, who was initially on the run, was eventually apprehended in the village of Samravata, the site of the “slap-gate” incident. He had earlier declared his intention not to surrender and called upon his followers to block traffic and surround the police.
His arrest triggered further violent protests, with Meena’s supporters blocking highways and setting fire to vehicles. The police, clad in riot gear, cleared the roadblocks and arrested 60 individuals in connection with the violence.
The incident stemmed from an altercation between Meena and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Amit Choudhary at a polling booth. Meena alleged that Choudhary was adding extra votes for the BJP candidate, leading him to slap the official twice before being restrained by police.
The incident sparked outrage and accusations of electoral malpractice. The police, however, countered Meena’s allegations, stating that the SDM was attempting to resolve a dispute involving boycott of the panchayat election when he was assaulted.
The attack on the polling official led to widespread violence, including arson, vandalism, and a failed attempt to arrest Meena on Wednesday night.
Meena, who was suspended from the Congress last week after defying party orders, is currently facing charges of obstructing government officials, fleeing police custody, and vandalising public property.
The incident has raised concerns about the state’s law and order situation, with former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticizing the ruling BJP and accusing the police force of losing its credibility.
The Deoli-Uniara bypoll, triggered by the election of Harish Chandra Meena to the Lok Sabha, is a closely watched contest. The results of the bypoll will be announced on November 23.
First Piper 