The SC/ST Court in Tonk, Rajasthan, has ordered the arrest of independent candidate Naresh Meena by 6 August, after cancelling his conditional bail over alleged violations. Meena, who faces charges of slapping a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) during the Deoli-Uniara by-election, had been out on bail granted by the High Court following nearly nine months in custody.

Court Order and Arrest Warrant

The SC/ST Court cancelled Meena's conditional bail on 13 July, citing a subsequent arrest during a protest in Jhalawar as a breach of bail conditions. An arrest warrant was issued the same day. The court has now directed the Nagarfort police to execute the warrant and produce Meena before it no later than 6 August.

Nagarfort SHO Rajendra Tada confirmed the court's directive, stating that the police department is taking active steps to comply with the order.

Asset Records Sought

Alongside the arrest order, the Nagarfort police have initiated the process of collecting details of Meena's movable and immovable assets for submission before the court. A letter has been sent to the Sarpanch (Administrator) of Nayagaon (Nanwata) Gram Panchayat in Mothpur tehsil of Baran district, requesting property records at the earliest.

The letter references the case registered at Nagarfort police station and asks for the information to be furnished promptly so it can be placed before the court.

Background: The Deoli-Uniara By-Election Case

Meena had been jailed for approximately nine months in connection with the Deoli-Uniara by-election case, in which he is accused of slapping an SDM — an act that drew widespread attention and triggered legal proceedings under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The High Court had eventually granted him conditional bail, but that relief was short-lived.

His re-arrest during the Jhalawar protest prompted the SC/ST Court to rule that bail conditions had been violated, leading to the cancellation order of 13 July. This marks the second time Meena has faced custody in connection with these proceedings.

Political Angle: Panchayat Raj Elections in Focus

Meena's associate Rakesh Bainsla has alleged that the government is attempting to suppress Meena's growing political influence by keeping him incarcerated ahead of the upcoming Panchayat Raj elections. Bainsla claimed the legal action is aimed at silencing the voices of farmers, labourers, students, and other marginalised communities — though these allegations remain unverified and are contested.

With the 6 August deadline approaching, all eyes are on whether Nagarfort police will execute the warrant and how Meena's legal team responds to the bail cancellation.