Jaipur: At least 60 people have been arrested in the Samravata stone pelting incident where a clash erupted between a group of unidentified people and police on Wednesday night in Tonk, ANI reported.

The incident occurred in the Samravata village of Deoli-Uniyara during a protest by supporters of an independent candidate Naresh Meena, who allegedly assaulted a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) at a polling station in the village.  

According to ANI, around eight four-wheelers, including police vehicles and over two-wheelers were vandalised and were set on fire.

Speaking to reporters, Tonk SP Vikas Sangwan said, “In Samravata village, some people had boycotted voting. To assess the situation, the SDM, Tehsildar, Additional SP, and other officers were present. During this time, independent candidate Naresh Meena entered the polling station and physically assaulted the SDM. The Additional SP immediately removed Naresh Meena from the location.”

“Action will be taken against him as per the law. We arrived at the spot and spoke to the villagers, after which voting resumed peacefully,” he said.

Following the incident, members of the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) Association met with the Chief Electoral Officer, demanding action against Naresh Meena.

“Our whole cadre is angry, the way independent candidate (from Deoli-Uniara )Naresh Meena slapped SDM who was on Area Magistrate duty…we met Chief Electoral Officer and demanded strict action as per the election rule. We have requested immediate arrest of him (Naresh Meena),” the association president Mahavir Kharadi told ANI.

On Wednesday, by-elections were held in Rajasthan for seven seats: Jhunjhunu, Dausa, Deoli-Uniara, Khinvsar, Chorasi, Salumbar, and Ramgarh.

The association’s general secretary, Neetu Rajeshwar, added, “The association has raised this issue at various levels in government. We have demanded action and received positive responses from all sides.”

In his defense, independent candidate from Naresh Meena claimed, “The SDM here had earlier beaten up a woman in Hindoli…”