Jaipur, November 16, 2024.
Heavy security forces remained deployed in Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency of Tonk district on Friday following widespread post-poll violence a day earlier. Although no untoward incidents were reported, members of the Meena community held meetings in Samraota village, demanding release of independent candidate Naresh Meena, who slapped an SDM on poll duty.
During the community’s meetings, plans to block a national highway were discussed. In response, the district administration intensified security measures. Due to the tense situation, police decided to produce accused Meena before a lower court via video conferencing. The court sent Meena to judicial custody.
Widespread violence by Meena’s supporters in the district over his arrest had left at least 50 people injured on Thursday. Police arrested him in connection with one of the four cases registered against him on the bypoll day. Under this FIR, he faces charges under 15 different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to attempted murder, criminal force against a govt servant, unlawful assembly, rioting, and criminal intimidation.
He was also charged under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and the National Highways Act. Police officials said that the police would have the option to take on production warrant and arrest him for each of the three remaining three FIRs whenever needed in the future.
Meena had admitted on camera that he slapped the SDM and made derogatory and inciting remarks against other officials, including Tonk collector Saumya Jha. Senior police officials reported that 62 people were arrested so far in connection with the violence and rioting. They claimed the violence was premeditated, as 80% of those arrested were not local residents.
“We have found that many of those arrested belonged to other districts, such as Bundi and Sawai Madhopur, as well as other areas in Tonk, including Niwai and Aligarh,” said SP Tonk, Vikas Sangwan.
According to police officials, the significant involvement of outsiders suggests that the violence was pre-planned.
Sources said Meena was produced before a magistrate via video conferencing due to the tense law and order situation. Police refrained from seeking his custody, citing security risks associated with keeping him at the police station.
Local reports indicated that many villagers, including women, fled from Samraota village, where the violence erupted on Wednesday night. Villagers alleged harassment by both Meena’s supporters and security personnel. They claimed many residents were in hiding, fearing arrest even though they were not involved in the violence.
