Police solve 57-year-old murder case, arrest culprit

Sagaya Fernando

30 January 2025

 

In a significant breakthrough, police in the west Indian state Rajasthan have solved a 57-year-old murder case, arresting a fugitive who had been living under a false identity in Delhi since 1968.

According to Kota Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Sujit Shankar, the suspect, now 77 years old, had been on the run for decades after allegedly attacking a man named Bhavana in Kumbhkot village. Bhavana succumbed to his injuries during treatment, and a murder case was registered at Ramganj Mandi police station on May 11, 1968, based on a complaint filed by the victim’s maternal uncle, Ram Pratap Darji.

Despite extensive searches, the accused remained elusive. By 1971, he was officially declared absconding, and authorities later announced a reward of ₹ 25,000 for information leading to his capture.

Investigations revealed that after fleeing Kota, the suspect moved to Delhi, where he assumed the identity of \Prem Sagar’, altering all personal details, including his caste. He severed ties with his relatives and established a new life, working as a contractor and raising a family.

Over time, he built a home, saw his children marry, and became a grandfather -- successfully avoiding detection for nearly six decades.

The case resurfaced when the file was transferred to the Suket police station. As part of a renewed effort to resolve long-pending cases, law enforcement intensified its search. Acting on intelligence and a tip-off, officers discovered that the suspect was living in Delhi’s Mangolpuri area. After a thorough investigation, a police team tracked him down and made the arrest.

Officials stated that due to age-related limitations, the suspect had withdrawn from active work and spent most of his time at home in recent years. However, despite decades of secrecy, he was finally brought to justice.

Kota, located on the banks of the Chambal River in Rajasthan, is known for its historic significance and industrial development. This arrest marks a remarkable example of law enforcement persistence in solving one of the region’s oldest unsolved cases.



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