An independent candidate from Rajasthan’s Deoli-Uniara constituency, Naresh Meena, has been placed in 14-day judicial custody for allegedly slapping Sub-Divisional Magistrate Amit Chaudhary.
The incident occurred at a polling booth in Samravata village, triggering chaos and widespread protests.
Advocate Lakhan Singh Meena, representing the accused, criticized the police for not physically presenting his client in court. Instead, the police opted for a virtual hearing, citing law and order concerns.
“He was supposed to be produced before the Niwai court, but the police presented him via video call. While the law permits virtual hearings, the police are avoiding scrutiny of their actions,” the lawyer alleged.
The defense counsel also filed a plea requesting daily medical check-ups for Naresh Meena and permission for regular visits from his family and lawyer.
“We have sought provisions for his daily medical examination and access to his family and legal counsel. However, the court has currently ordered 14 days of judicial custody,” he added.
The arrest has sparked protests from Naresh Meena’s supporters, who gathered in large numbers to voice their dissent. Reports indicate that the unrest escalated into violence in Tonk district, where unidentified individuals clashed with the police.
Around eight four-wheelers, including police vehicles, and over 20 two-wheelers were vandalized or set on fire.
Earlier, Naresh Meena had accused officials of harassment during the by-election campaign. “Since October 25, I’ve faced continuous harassment. My posters have been torn down, and officials have discouraged voters from supporting me,” Meena claimed in a statement.
The by-elections, held on Wednesday, covered seven assembly seats in Rajasthan: Jhunjhunu, Dausa, Deoli-Uniara, Khinvsar, Chorasi, Salumbar, and Ramgarh. These elections were called following the death of two MLAs and the election of five others to the Lok Sabha. The results are scheduled to be announced on November 20.
The incident has added a layer of controversy to the by-elections, drawing attention to tensions on the ground and the challenges faced by independent candidates in Rajasthan’s political landscape.
