Sarita Vihar murder accused held after 2 years on run

March 21, 2026

In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested a proclaimed offender who had been on the run since 2023 in connection with a murder case registered at Sarita Vihar police station. The accused, identified as Vijay Patro, had a reward of Rs 50,000 on his arrest and had been evading law enforcement for nearly two years.

Officials said the arrest was the result of sustained surveillance and coordinated efforts across states, reflecting the persistence of investigators tracking absconding suspects in serious criminal cases.

Arrest made in Mumbai after tip-off

According to police sources, the accused was finally traced to Mumbai, where he had been hiding under a different identity. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Crime Branch team, with assistance from Mumbai Police, conducted a raid at a food outlet near CST and successfully apprehended him.

After the arrest, the accused was produced before a local court in Mumbai, which granted transit remand to Delhi Police. He is now being brought back to the national capital for further interrogation and legal proceedings.

 Accused had been evading arrest since 2023

The case dates back to 2023, when a murder was reported in the Sarita Vihar area of southeast Delhi. Following the incident, multiple accused were identified, but Vijay Patro managed to flee and remained untraceable for a long period.

Police said he had been constantly changing locations and jobs to avoid detection. During his time in hiding, he reportedly worked at a restaurant in Mumbai while keeping a low profile to escape suspicion.

Investigators believe his ability to blend into everyday surroundings and avoid digital trails made it difficult to track him initially.

 Charges include murder and criminal conspiracy

The accused is wanted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, unlawful assembly and criminal conspiracy. Police officials said that he played a key role in the crime, though the exact motive and sequence of events will be established in detail during further questioning.

Authorities are also examining whether the accused was involved in other criminal activities during his time on the run, given his past record of minor offences.

Hunt continues for other accused

While this arrest marks a major step forward in the case, police confirmed that other accused persons are still absconding. Teams have been deployed to track them down, and efforts are ongoing to ensure that all those involved in the crime are brought to justice.

Officials emphasised that the case remains a priority, and further arrests are likely in the coming days as the investigation progresses.

Importance of coordinated policing

The successful arrest highlights the growing role of inter-state coordination and technical surveillance in solving criminal cases. Police sources noted that modern investigative tools, combined with human intelligence, played a crucial role in locating the accused after such a long gap.

The Delhi Police reiterated its commitment to pursuing offenders who attempt to evade the law, stressing that no matter how long it takes, absconding accused will eventually be traced and arrested.