A murder accused who had been absconding for 13 years was finally arrested by the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch from Nagpur. The accused, identified as Chhotu alias Chhatu Markat Yadav (36), was wanted in a 2012 murder case registered at Rabale MIDC police station.
Murder Over Rs 25,000 Dispute
Yadav had allegedly killed his associate, Bhavankhan Ugan Yadav (50), over a monetary dispute involving Rs 25,000. Following the crime, he fled the area and remained untraceable for over a decade. Acting on fresh intelligence and technical analysis, the Central Unit of the Crime Branch traced his whereabouts to Nagpur and apprehended him. Both, accused and the deceased worked as watchmen.
Revival of Cold Cases
The arrest comes under a special drive launched by Navi Mumbai Police to reopen and resolve long-pending murder cases, especially those pending for over 20 years. Under the guidance of Assistant Commissioner of Police Ajaykumar Landge, officials revisited the 2012 case, collected all relevant documents, and initiated a renewed investigation.
A Summary Case Reopened
"During the probe, we discovered that the accused was residing in Nagpur," ACP Landge said. A team led by Senior Inspector Sunil Shinde and comprising PSI Sanjay Reddy, Sanjay Pawar, and constables Anil Yadav, Kiran Raut, Ajay Kadam, and Rahul Wagh laid a trap and arrested him.
Crack Team Tracks Fugitive
According to police, the victim had borrowed Rs 25,000 from the accused but failed to return the amount despite repeated requests. In October 2012, in a fit of rage, the accused stabbed Yadav in the chest with a sharp weapon and fled the scene.
A case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code was registered at Rabale Police Station. However, as the accused could not be traced, the case was classified as 'A summary' (untraced) and submitted to the court, which accepted the closure.
