Crime Branch Nabs Murder Suspect Who Remained on the Run for 28 Years After Escaping Police Custody

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested a 53-year-old proclaimed offender who had managed to evade law enforcement for nearly three decades after escaping from police custody. The accused was wanted in the murder of a Haryana Police constable, multiple attempted murder cases, and his dramatic escape while in handcuffs.

The accused, identified as Rajinder Bairagi, also known by aliases Rajinder Singh Yadav and "Dr Jhatka," was apprehended by the Crime Branch's Northern Range-1 (NR-1) team during a coordinated operation in Mungaoli, located in Madhya Pradesh's Ashok Nagar district. According to police officials, Rajinder was the prime accused in the 1998 killing of Haryana Police personnel Jai Bhagwan, who was shot during a wedding function in Sonipat. Apart from the murder case, he was also facing several charges related to attempted murder in both Delhi and Haryana.

Investigators said Rajinder escaped from the custody of Uttar Pradesh Police in February 1999 while being transported from Ghaziabad Jail to a court in Sonipat. The escape took place at Gannaur Railway Station, after which he successfully remained underground for almost 28 years. The Crime Branch tracked him down using a combination of technical surveillance and extensive field intelligence. Acting on specific information, officers carried out a raid in Mungaoli, where the fugitive was finally arrested.

During questioning, Rajinder reportedly revealed that after fleeing custody, he first moved to Maharashtra, where he worked as a physical education teacher at a Kendriya Vidyalaya. He later relocated to Madhya Pradesh, adopted the identity of Rajender Singh Yadav, and built a new life as a property dealer. He also reportedly practised as an unregistered medical practitioner, earning the local nickname "Dr Jhatka." Police said he had obtained several official identity documents under his assumed identity, including an Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter identity card, and driving licence.

Authorities added that Rajinder had been declared a proclaimed offender in multiple criminal cases, including two attempted murder cases registered at Delhi's Janakpuri Police Station and the murder case lodged at Gannaur Police Station in Haryana. Police are continuing to question the accused to determine whether he was involved in any other criminal activities during the years he remained a fugitive.