"Villagers had no involvement in this": Rajasthan Minister Jawahar Singh Bedam on Tonk violence, claims outsiders involved

He claimed that outsiders were responsible for the violence that erupted after the arrest of Naresh Meena, an independent candidate who contested in the Deoli-Uniara assembly byelection.

"The police are conducting a thorough investigation. Whoever is involved in this will be arrested. It has also been ensured that innocent people do not face any trouble. It is a mystery and a matter of investigation as to who called these outsiders and why this violence was done," said Bedam told ANI.

Bedam revealed that a delegation of villagers met with him and confirmed that the villagers had no involvement in the violence. Additionally, he noted that the 40-45 people detained in connection with the violence were from outside the area.

"A delegation of villagers met me yesterday regarding this entire incident. They also clearly said that the villagers had no involvement in this. And it also became clear that the 40-45 people detained were from outside," said Bedam.

The violence in Tonk began when Naresh Meena allegedly slapped Sub-Divisional Magistrate Amit Chaudhary at a polling booth, sparking a ruckus. Meena's supporters gathered to protest his arrest, and clashes between unidentified individuals and police resulted in vandalism and arson. Meena had previously claimed that he was being continuously harassed, with his posters being torn down and officials preventing people from voting for him.

On Thursday, a local court sent Naresh Meena to 14 days of judicial custody even as his lawyer criticised the police for not physically presenting him before the court.

Advocate Lakhan Singh Meena condemned the police for opting for a virtual hearing, citing law and order concerns as the reason.

"He was supposed to be produced before the Niwai court, but the police cited law and order issues and presented him through a video call. According to the law, if someone is arrested, they must be produced before the court within 24 hours, even if a video call is required. However, the police do not want their shortcomings to be exposed," he alleged.

Officials reported that during a clash between unidentified individuals and the police in Tonk district on Wednesday night, around eight four-wheelers, including police vehicles, and over two dozen two-wheelers were vandalised and set ablaze.

Earlier, Naresh Meena and his supporters staged a protest, alleging that he had been subjected to continuous harassment.

"Since October 25, I've been harassed continuously. My posters have been torn down, and officials have prevented people from voting for me," Meena claimed while addressing reporters.

By-elections were held on Wednesday in Rajasthan for seven seats: Jhunjhunu, Dausa, Deoli-Uniara, Khinvsar, Chorasi, Salumbar, and Ramgarh. The results will be declared on November 20. These by-elections were necessitated by the demise of two MLAs and the election of five others to the Lok Sabha. (ANI)