Politics – Fugitive Accused Arrested After Nearly Three Decades Living Under New Identity
Politics –A man who allegedly evaded law enforcement for almost 27 years by living under a different identity has now been taken into custody, bringing a decades-old murder investigation back into focus.
For residents of a quiet town in Madhya Pradesh, the man was widely known as “Dr Jhatka,” a local practitioner who operated a small clinic while also working as a property dealer and contractor. According to Delhi Police, however, his real identity remained hidden for decades as he was allegedly absconding in connection with a 1998 murder case involving a police official in Haryana.
Arrest Ends Nearly Three-Decade Search
Police officials said 53-year-old Rajinder Bairagi, also known by the aliases Rajinder Singh Yadav and “Dr Jhatka,” was arrested on Tuesday from Ashok Nagar district in Madhya Pradesh. Authorities stated that he had been evading arrest since escaping from police custody in 1999. After his detention, he was taken to Delhi on Wednesday for further legal proceedings.
Investigators believe the arrest concludes one of the longest-running searches linked to the case. Officials said fresh efforts to revive the investigation helped trace his whereabouts after years of remaining undetected.
New Identity Helped Him Blend Into Local Community
According to investigators, Rajinder disappeared after escaping custody and initially spent nearly a year in Colaba, Maharashtra. During that period, he reportedly worked as a physical education teacher at a school before relocating to Madhya Pradesh.
Police said he later adopted the identity of Rajender Singh Yadav and gradually established himself in Ashok Nagar. In 2003, he married a woman who currently works as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) at a government hospital in Mungaoli.
Authorities alleged that despite lacking official medical registration, he started operating a clinic that earned him the local nickname “Dr Jhatka.” Besides running the clinic, he was also involved in property transactions and contract-related work. The couple has two children.
Investigation Revisits 1998 Murder Case
The case dates back to May 10, 1998, when Rajinder allegedly attended a wedding ceremony in Saiyan Khera village in Haryana’s Sonipat district. Police alleged that an argument broke out between him and members of the bride’s family during the event.
Investigators claimed that Rajinder and five associates, who were reportedly armed, opened fire during the confrontation. Jai Bhagwan, identified as the bride’s uncle and a police official, was killed in the incident, while another person sustained injuries.
Following the shooting, Rajinder was arrested. However, police records state that on February 14, 1999, he escaped while being escorted by Uttar Pradesh Police personnel from Ghaziabad Jail to a court in Sonipat. He allegedly fled despite being handcuffed, triggering an extensive search that continued for decades.
Fresh Probe Leads Police to Madhya Pradesh
Delhi Police said renewed investigation into the pending trial played a crucial role in locating the accused. Officers reportedly verified his identity through multiple sources, monitored his daily activities, and tracked his movements before conducting a planned operation in Madhya Pradesh.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Chander Kumar Singh said investigators successfully confirmed the suspect’s identity, established his routine, and identified his precise location before carrying out the arrest.
During questioning, Rajinder reportedly told investigators that he had once been a kabaddi player and claimed that his association with criminal elements developed through the sport. Police are continuing legal proceedings while examining additional aspects related to the case.