Fugitive politician Naresh Meena, wanted by police in connection with an alleged vandalism and assault case, made a surprise appearance at Barodiya village in Baran district, Rajasthan, on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, to campaign for the 'elephant' election symbol — before slipping away again, evading search teams deployed from more than half a dozen police stations across the district. The brazen public appearance has renewed scrutiny of the ongoing police operation to trace him.

The Surprise Village Visit

According to reports, Meena arrived unannounced at Barodiya village, interacted with residents, and urged them to vote for the 'elephant' election symbol. Villagers reportedly responded with excitement at seeing him. After spending a brief period seeking votes, he disappeared from the area before police could respond. His visit follows an earlier reported instance in which he addressed an election rally remotely — over a mobile phone — while remaining at large.

The Case Against Him

Meena is wanted in connection with an alleged incident of vandalism and assault at the Forest Department office in Nahargarh on 1 November. A formal case was registered following the incident, triggering an intensive search operation across Baran district. Police teams from more than half a dozen police stations have conducted raids at over a dozen locations, including a late-night operation at a farmhouse in Gundai village. None of these operations have produced a breakthrough.

The Symbolic 25-Paise Bounty

Baran Police announced a reward of 25 paise — colloquially known as a 'chavanni' — for anyone providing information leading to Meena's whereabouts. The token bounty, far from the conventional cash rewards seen in high-profile fugitive cases, has itself become a talking point, drawing public attention to the case while raising questions about the seriousness of the pursuit. Critics argue the symbolic amount underscores the political complexity surrounding his continued evasion.

Questions Over Police Efficacy

Meena's repeated public appearances — first at a rally via phone, now in person at a village — while actively sought by multiple police teams have put the Rajasthan Police on the defensive. His ability to surface, campaign, and vanish at will has added an unusual dimension to what began as a straightforward criminal investigation. Authorities have not publicly commented on how he continues to evade detection despite sustained search operations.

What Happens Next

With election activity ongoing in the region, Meena's continued campaigning as a fugitive creates an increasingly complicated situation for both law enforcement and electoral authorities. Police search operations across Baran district are expected to intensify following his latest confirmed sighting at Barodiya.