Rajasthan Turmoil: SDM Slap Sparks Massive Protests

The arrest of Independent candidate Naresh Meena for allegedly slapping an SDM in Rajasthan led to large protests. Supporters vandalized vehicles and set fire to a highway. Congress leader Ashok Gehlot criticized the state government's handling of law and order, highlighting a crisis in public confidence in police forces.

The arrest of Naresh Meena, an Independent candidate, on charges of slapping Sub-Divisional Magistrate Amit Chaudhary, incited large-scale protests in Rajasthan on Thursday. Supporters of Meena set fire to a state highway and clashed with police, leading to multiple arrests and significant property damage.

Tonk Superintendent of Police, Vikas Sangwan, confirmed that Meena was apprehended after he initially resisted surrendering. "He was ultimately charged, and several individuals were detained in connection with the unrest," Sangwan stated, noting the reopened investigations into past incidents involving Meena.

The unrest escalated when eight four-wheelers, including police vehicles, and two dozen two-wheelers were vandalized during the clashes. As tensions flared, a heavy police presence was required to manage the volatile crowd, with surrounding infrastructure bearing the brunt of the violence. Meanwhile, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot criticized the BJP for its handling of the state's law and order, claiming that "credibility of police has ended."

(With inputs from agencies.)