Crime – Delhi Police Arrest Fugitive Convict Who Skipped Court Surrender
Crime – A man convicted in a decades-old murder case has been taken into custody by the Delhi Police after evading surrender despite a court order. Officials confirmed on Thursday that the accused, who had been out on bail, was located and arrested following sustained tracking efforts by the Crime Branch.
Convict Failed to Comply With Court Order
The accused, identified as Mohammad Nawab, 52, had been serving a life sentence in connection with a 1998 murder case registered in central Delhi. After being granted bail during the course of legal proceedings, he was required to return to prison once his appeal was rejected by the Delhi High Court in 2025. However, he failed to comply with the directive and did not report to Tihar Jail as instructed.
Following his absence, jail authorities officially declared him a parole violator, prompting police to initiate efforts to trace his whereabouts.
Background of the 1998 Murder Case
The case dates back to the night between November 29 and 30, 1998, when Nawab was accused of attacking a rickshaw puller named Giani near Delhi Gate in the Daryaganj locality. According to investigators, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. after the victim allegedly declined to take Nawab to his destination.
Police records state that the accused, angered by the refusal, assaulted the victim, knocked him to the ground, and struck him repeatedly with a stone. The attack caused severe head injuries.
An eyewitness present at the scene alerted authorities immediately. Responding officers reached the location quickly and apprehended Nawab as he attempted to escape. The injured man was taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
A murder case was registered under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code. After investigation and trial, Nawab was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. He subsequently challenged the verdict in the High Court, but his appeal was dismissed in 2025, reaffirming the original conviction.
The court’s decision required him to surrender and continue serving his sentence, which he failed to do.
Crime Branch Tracks Down the Accused
With Nawab on the run, a dedicated team from the Central Range of the Crime Branch was assigned to locate him. The operation was led by Inspector Mahipal Singh under the supervision of ACP Satendra Mohan.
Officials said the team relied on a mix of field intelligence and technical surveillance to track his movements. Inputs suggested that he had been staying in the Kasabpura area of Sadar Bazaar in Old Delhi.
After monitoring his activities, police eventually intercepted him in the Ranjeet Nagar area. He was reportedly on his way to meet family members when he was apprehended.
Life in Hiding and Additional Cases
During the investigation, it was revealed that Nawab had been living discreetly and had set up a rented butcher shop to sustain himself after leaving his home. Authorities believe he adopted a low-profile lifestyle to avoid detection.
Police also disclosed that the accused had a prior criminal record. He had been involved in three separate cases under the Arms Act and had been convicted in each of them.
Accused Sent Back to Jail
Following his arrest, Nawab has been formally sent to Tihar Jail to serve the remainder of his life sentence. Officials stated that further procedural formalities have been completed, and no additional resistance was encountered during his capture.
The case highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to track down individuals who attempt to evade judicial orders, even years after conviction