Congress rebel leader Naresh Meena surrenders in Tonk after bail cancellation

Congress rebel leader Naresh Meena, known for his alleged assault on a Sub-Divisional Magistrate during the Assembly by-election in Deoli-Uniara, Rajasthan, surrendered at Nagar Fort police station in Tonk district on Thursday. His bail was revoked on July 13 due to condition violation. Meena, 45, was produced in the Special Judge court in Tonk, which ordered his transfer to judicial custody.

Supporters of the rebel leader protested outside the police station and court, while the administration imposed prohibitory orders to maintain order. The Rajasthan High Court had previously granted Meena conditional bail on July 11. The Special SC/ST Court in Tonk canceled his bail upon his arrest during a protest in Jhalawar and cited violation of conditions.

Meena's supporters accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government of attempting to stifle his growing popularity ahead of the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections. Contesting as an independent candidate, Meena was defeated by the BJP candidate, Rajendra Gurjar, in the by-election by a margin of 41,121 votes. Meena had also contested the Assembly by-election at Anta in Baran district, where he came in third with 159 votes less than the BJP candidate, Morpal Suman.