Fri Nov 15 10:01:33 UTC 2024: ## Independent Candidate Naresh Meena Arrested After Attacking SDM, Supporters Riot
**Tonk, Rajasthan:** Naresh Meena, an independent candidate for the Devli-Uniyara assembly seat in Rajasthan, was arrested on Thursday following a high-voltage drama that began on Wednesday when he allegedly assaulted the SDM, Amit Choudhary, during the polling process for the by-elections.
A video circulating on social media shows Meena grabbing Choudhary’s collar and slapping him twice before being restrained by police. This incident triggered calls for Meena’s arrest. He went into hiding and refused to surrender, leading to a massive crackdown by police.
The arrest led to widespread violence in the area. Meena’s supporters blocked the highway between Tonk and Sawai Madhopur, setting vehicles on fire and pelting stones at police officers. Police retaliated with lathi-charge and tear gas. The violence started on Wednesday night when police tried to apprehend Meena. He was finally arrested on Thursday morning after a “strategic operation” involving senior police officers and riot control personnel.
The arrest has put Meena in a precarious position. A probe into his record revealed 23 cases against him, of which only 7 have been concluded. The majority of these cases involve damage to public property and attacks on government officials. Two cases relate to serious assault on a police officer and a village headman in his home district.
**Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh High Court has ordered a CBI probe into alleged nepotism and corruption in the appointment of 186 people in the state legislature. The court termed it a “shocking scam” after an investigation found that 186 out of 187 positions were filled with relatives of VIPs and politicians.**
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