The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a proclaimed offender in connection with the 2005 kidnapping and murder of an engineering student in Kerala, marking a significant breakthrough in a case that remained unresolved for years.
The accused, identified as Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri alias Deepak, had been absconding since the early stages of the investigation and was finally tracked down after nearly two decades.
Accused Was Living Under False Identity
According to the CBI, the accused had been living under a false identity to evade arrest. He allegedly impersonated another individual, got married, and settled in Nagpur while remaining on the run.
Investigators revealed that sustained efforts, including surveillance and intelligence inputs, eventually led to his arrest. The agency is now expected to seek his custody for further interrogation.
Details of the 2005 Crime
The case dates back to 2005 and involves the kidnapping and murder of an engineering student in Kerala. The victim was reportedly abducted, and his family received a ransom call before his body was later recovered.
The shocking nature of the crime had drawn widespread attention at the time, prompting demands for a thorough investigation.
Role of Co-Accused
CBI investigations found that the crime was carried out by the arrested accused along with a co-accused, Mohammed Ali. Both were originally from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
While the main accused remained absconding, the co-accused was arrested earlier, tried in court, and convicted in 2022.
Case Transferred to CBI
The investigation was handed over to the CBI in 2008 following directions from the Kerala High Court. The central agency re-registered the case and conducted a detailed probe, eventually filing a chargesheet against the accused.
However, despite the chargesheet, the main accused managed to evade arrest for years and was declared a proclaimed offender by the trial court.
Legal Proceedings to Continue
Following his arrest, the accused will be produced before a court in Kerala, where the CBI is likely to seek further custody for interrogation.
Officials indicated that the arrest could help uncover additional details about the crime and strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Significance of the Arrest
The arrest is being seen as a major success for investigative agencies, demonstrating persistence in tracking down long-absconding accused individuals.
It also brings renewed hope for justice for the victim’s family, who have been waiting for closure for nearly two decades.