Tonk (Rajasthan) [India], November 15 (HBTV): Following violence triggered by the assault on a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) at a polling station in the Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency, Ajmer Inspector General (IG) Om Prakash confirmed that the accused and others involved have been arrested. He also stated that peace has been restored in the district.

Speaking to ANI about the arrest of Deoli-Uniara Independent candidate Naresh Meena, the Ajmer IG said, 'A case was registered under sections of attempt to murder and destruction of public property. About 60 people involved in the incident have been arrested. Naresh Meena has also been arrested, and a total of four cases have been registered. The situation is currently peaceful.'

On Thursday, Meena's supporters gathered in large numbers to protest his arrest by Rajasthan Police. Tonk Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Sangwan reported that Meena's supporters set fire to the state highway near Samravata village in response to his detention.

'He was advised not to take the law into his hands and to surrender. Initially, he resisted, but seeing the heavy police presence, he complied. He will face charges under the relevant sections. Older records will be reviewed, and further arrests will be made accordingly. About 50-60 people have been detained in this case,' the SP told ANI.

Meena, an Independent candidate contesting from the Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency, allegedly slapped SDM Amit Chaudhary at a polling booth in Samravata village, leading to chaos.

During a clash between a group of unidentified individuals and the police on Wednesday night in Tonk district, around eight four-wheelers, including police vehicles, and over two dozen two-wheelers were vandalized and set on fire. Following heavy police deployment, Meena was arrested on Thursday.

Reacting to the incident, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot criticized the ruling BJP government over the law-and-order situation in Rajasthan. Speaking to mediapersons, he said, 'The credibility of the police in Rajasthan has ended, and law and order has collapsed in the state.'

Gehlot further remarked, 'Why did a situation arise where an SDM was slapped? How did an Independent MLA like Naresh Meena have the courage to do such a thing? This is not a minor incident. The BJP has no tolerance for suggestions from the Opposition. What has the state government done this year? When there is no fear among people, they take the law into their own hands. This is the situation across the state today.'

(ANI)