Jaipur, Rajasthan - Widespread protests erupted across Rajasthan on Monday demanding the release of Naresh Meena, an independent candidate arrested for slapping a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) during the November 13 by-elections.

Meena was arrested on November 14 for allegedly slapping SDM Amit Chaudhary at a polling booth in Samravata village, Deoli-Uniara constituency. Meena accused the SDM of allowing voting to proceed despite a village boycott. The incident sparked violence and arson in Samravata on the night of November 13.

Protesters, primarily from the Meena community, gathered in several districts including Tonk, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Dausa, and Dholpur, demanding Meena's immediate release and an impartial investigation into the case.

In Jaipur, the Rajasthan Adivasi Meena Seva Sangh held a demonstration on Vatika Road, submitting a memorandum to the subdivision office. Similar rallies took place in Tonk, where protesters gathered at the Dak Bungalow and marched, demanding a judicial inquiry. Memorandums were also submitted to administrative officials at all tehsil headquarters in Tonk.

In Dausa, a large crowd gathered in front of the Collectorate, chanting slogans and demanding Meena's release. The demonstration was attended by prominent figures including BAP MLAs Thawarchand Damor and Jaikrishna Patel, as well as State Congress Committee members Surendra Gurjar, Banwari Santha, and Saumya Meena.

(Source- IANS)