Prime Accused Mukesh ‘Fauji’ Arrested in Former MLA Atar Singh Bhadana Murder Case

October 16, 2026

Bharatpur: Police have arrested Mukesh alias Mukesh ‘Fauji,’ the prime accused in the murder case of former MLA Atar Singh Bhadana, in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district. He had been absconding since the killing, prompting police teams to search several locations, including the homes of his family members and relatives.

Following his arrest, Mukesh Fauji was brought to Weir police station, where Superintendent of Police Rajesh Meena questioned him late into the night. Investigators are trying to establish the sequence of events leading to Bhadana’s murder, determine the alleged roles of other suspects and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The administration had also issued a notice concerning the proposed demolition of the accused’s house while he remained on the run. Any further action will depend on the applicable legal and administrative procedures.

Five Other Accused Already Arrested

Before Mukesh Fauji’s arrest, police had apprehended five other accused in the case — Bhagmal, Soni, Sher Singh, Baldev and Kunwar Singh.

The five were produced before Judicial Magistrate Suvihay Hafiz Siddiqui. Police had requested three days of custody for questioning, but the court granted two days of police remand to each of the accused.

With the prime accused now in custody, investigators are expected to intensify questioning to establish the sequence of events and examine the alleged involvement of others.

Mining Lease Protest Under Investigation

According to the investigation, Mukesh Fauji had reportedly been leading a protest for around two years, demanding the closure of a mining lease. His name has also figured in cases filed by Bhadana’s widow. Police are examining his alleged role in the murder as part of the ongoing probe.

Investigators are also looking into inflammatory social media posts circulated in recent days over a leased pathway. The posts, which reportedly featured both men and women, went viral before the incident.

Police have traced part of the sequence of events to a minor dispute on October 7. On the day of the incident, protesters were removed from the demonstration site.

Investigators have also received information suggesting that security personnel associated with Bhadana may have contributed to tensions through videos. Some of these personnel are reportedly from the Dholpur region. Police teams are examining the footage and other material to establish what happened and determine the roles, if any, of those involved.

Police Search Spanned Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh

The search for Mukesh Fauji involved raids at several locations, including the residences of relatives. Investigators suspected he could be hiding in neighbouring villages or in the Bayana region, where residents of Bhaunda village have family connections.

The rugged, hilly terrain of the Dang region also posed challenges for the search teams. According to police sources, the accused managed to evade arrest at some locations before officers reached them.

Police teams were also sent to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh amid suspicions that the prime accused might have fled to either state.

His arrest is expected to help investigators piece together the circumstances surrounding Bhadana’s murder and establish the alleged roles of the other suspects. The investigation remains underway.

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