Fugitive held after 15 years on the run for burning friend alive

 

GOAL POST Media Desk

 

Madhya Pradesh, India – May 17, 2025

In a major breakthrough, police in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh have arrested Dinesh Ahirwar, a fugitive accused of murdering his friend by setting him on fire in 2009. Ahirwar, who had been on the run for 15 years, was apprehended in Damoh district by a special police team led by Sub-Inspector Deepak Kumar. Authorities had earlier announced a reward of ₹5,000 ($60 approx.) for information leading to his arrest.

 

According to police officials, the crime occurred on the night of March 21, 2009, in the Manesar area of Guna. Dinesh Ahirwar, along with accomplices, allegedly attacked his friend, Bhagirath, following a dispute over money. The assailants reportedly doused Bhagirath in turpentine oil and set him ablaze. The victim sustained severe burn injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed during treatment.

 

Following the incident, Ahirwar evaded capture by constantly changing his location. He is believed to have taken up labour jobs in various locations including Rewari and Chandigarh in Haryana to avoid police detection.

 

The breakthrough came as a result of sustained efforts by the Guna Police’s special task force. Acting on a specific intelligence tip, the team tracked down and arrested Ahirwar from his hideout in Damoh, a district in Madhya Pradesh.

 

This is the second arrest in connection with the case in recent weeks. On May 12, 2025, another suspect, Sila Lal, was apprehended from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana. Both individuals are currently being interrogated, and police are hopeful the arrests will shed light on other aspects of the 2009 murder case.

 

Police officials stated that investigations are on-going and further arrests have not been ruled out.