Tensions flared in the Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency of Tonk district as independent candidate Naresh Meena was taken into police custody on Thursday. His arrest sparked widespread unrest, with incidents of stone pelting and clashes reported in various areas, prompting security forces to respond with tear gas.
The violence began after Meena allegedly slapped Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary during bypoll voting at Samraota village on Wednesday. Following this incident, Meena was initially detained, but his supporters intercepted the police vehicle transporting him, attacking it and freeing him. The mob then torched both police and private vehicles, injuring at least eight policemen.
Four First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against Naresh Meena, including one by the SDM who was assaulted outside a polling booth. The altercation quickly escalated into a serious law and order issue, leading to further violence and disruption across the region.
On Thursday, Meena’s supporters continued their agitation, setting government vehicles on fire and blocking major highways including the Deoli-Uniara highway (NH 148D) and National Highway 116, impacting traffic flow and delaying the movement of security forces. Protesters set tyres on fire, creating a chaotic scene, while many demonstrators hid in agricultural fields and hurled stones at passing police personnel.
Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Vishal Bansal reported that over 60 individuals had been arrested, with charges ranging from arson and rioting to damaging public property. Authorities have deployed more than 600 security personnel to restore order in the area. National Highway 116, connecting Tonk and Sawai Madhopur, remains blocked in Aligarh due to ongoing protests.
Cabinet Minister Kirori Lal Meena attempted to intervene and calm the agitated crowd, but his efforts proved ineffective as protesters refused to disperse. The violence and roadblocks left several state roadways buses and commuters stranded, creating significant traffic disruptions.
Amid rising tensions, local government and private schools were closed for safety reasons. In one incident, protesters reportedly tried to storm a government school and pelted stones at people inside. Eyewitnesses described scenes of local residents being harassed by the violent mobs, with the situation remaining volatile.
The situation continues to be tense, with police and security forces on high alert. Authorities are expected to take further action to control the unrest and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
