Rajasthan Police Announce Symbolic 25-Paise Reward for Naresh Meena as Raids Intensify

Rajasthan Police have announced a symbolic reward of 25 paise for information leading to the arrest of Naresh Meena, chief of the Bhagat Singh Sena, who is wanted in connection with the alleged assault of Forest Department personnel and damage to government property at the Nahargarh Forest Range office.

Police officials said the unusual announcement was intended as a message to Meena, suggesting that the police do not consider him a major criminal despite his claims of having around 30 criminal cases against him.

“We are aware that this currency (25 paise) is no longer in circulation. However, we want to send Meena a message that, in our eyes, he is not a big criminal but more of a small-time offender,” officials said.

No formal written order has reportedly been issued regarding the reward. Police sources described the announcement as a symbolic move aimed at ridiculing Meena and diminishing his public image rather than offering a meaningful financial incentive.

Police Conduct Raids at Nearly a Dozen Locations

Meanwhile, police teams have intensified their search for Meena, carrying out raids at nearly a dozen locations where he is suspected to be hiding. Surveillance has also been increased around his village and along key routes to monitor his movements.

The operation is being led by Chhabra Station House Officer Rajesh Khatana.

However, a video dated November 5 has drawn attention to Meena's apparent public presence while the search operation is underway. The footage shows him travelling in a boat on the Parwan River and campaigning for candidates he is supporting in the ongoing Panchayat elections.

In the video, Meena is seen appealing to supporters and local residents to ensure the victory of his preferred candidates.

His reported participation in election campaigning, despite the police search, has raised questions about his whereabouts and the progress of efforts to apprehend him.

Case Relates to Alleged Assault at Forest Office

The case dates back to November 1, when Meena allegedly arrived at the Nahargarh Forest Range office with hundreds of supporters.

According to a complaint filed by Forest Department personnel, the group allegedly assaulted Forest Guard Pradeep Singh and other employees, damaged official documents and forcibly took away a generator and other equipment that had been seized by the department.

A case was subsequently registered against Meena and his associates over allegations of assaulting government employees, obstructing official duties and damaging government property. Several supporters have already been arrested.

The 25-paise announcement is not the first instance of Rajasthan police using a nominal reward in this manner. Bharatpur Police had previously announced a similar reward for information about a wanted criminal.

Despite the intensified raids and the symbolic reward announcement, Meena remains at large. Police have said that efforts to trace and arrest him are continuing.