Three-Decade-Old Hit-and-Run Case Finally Closed in Davanagere District
In a remarkable display of persistence and investigative work, the Jagalur police in Davanagere district have successfully arrested a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run case that remained unsolved for an astonishing 32 years. The breakthrough brings closure to a tragic incident that occurred back in 1994 near Kalledevarapura village in Jagalur taluk.
The Fateful Accident and Immediate Aftermath
The incident dates back to the old National Highway-50, which was designated as NH-13 at the time. According to police records, a truck ran over a pedestrian who was walking along the highway, resulting in immediate death. A formal complaint was promptly filed at the Jagalur police station, initiating what would become one of the longest-running investigations in the region's history.
Following the accident, the truck driver, identified as Gangadharappa, then 35 years old, vanished without a trace. Despite numerous attempts by law enforcement to locate him over the years, he managed to evade capture through strategic hiding and frequent changes to his residential address.
The Elusive Suspect and Modern Investigation Techniques
The arrested suspect, Gangadharappa, now 67 years old, hails from Arsikere in Hassan district. Police officials revealed that his physical appearance had changed significantly since 1994, presenting a major challenge for identification. However, technological advancements within the police department ultimately played a crucial role in his capture.
Under the guidance of CPI Sidramayya, with ASI Venkatesh GT and other officers executing the operation, police made more than fifteen attempts to apprehend Gangadharappa before finally succeeding. The breakthrough came when investigators discovered his driving license renewal records at the Regional Transport Office in Hassan.
Key Breakthroughs in the Investigation
Police investigation revealed several critical developments:
- Gangadharappa had transitioned from a traditional book-format driving license to a smart card during renewal, making his data publicly accessible
- He had established himself in dairy farming with two cows while his son operated a small eatery
- The suspect regularly changed his residential address within Arsikere to avoid detection
- When initially questioned about the accident, Gangadharappa claimed he didn't remember the incident
CPI Sidramayya explained their strategy: "First, we got hold of his son. After he revealed his father's identity and address, we caught Gangadharappa in the same town." The police officer added that the suspect has since confessed to the crime, though he claimed his advocate had misled him into believing the case was closed.
Legal Proceedings and Another Long-Pending Case
Following his arrest, Gangadharappa was produced before the Civil and JMFC Court in Jagalur, where he was remanded to judicial custody. This arrest represents a significant achievement for the Jagalur police station, demonstrating that justice delayed doesn't mean justice denied.
In a related development highlighting police diligence in resolving old cases, the rural police in Harihara of Davanagere district recently arrested Akbar, an accused thief who had been missing for 31 years. In this separate case from 1993, Akbar allegedly convinced a family he could double their gold jewelry through magic before stealing approximately 7.5 grams of gold and fleeing.
Although initially arrested and the stolen items recovered, Akbar disappeared during court proceedings in 1995. The court subsequently declared him an LPR (long pending register) accused in 1997. Under CPI Suresh Sagari's leadership, with PSIs Yuvaraj Kambli and Manjula D conducting the operation, police finally apprehended him on January 28, 2024.
Broader Implications for Law Enforcement
These successful resolutions of decades-old cases demonstrate several important developments in Indian policing:
- The increasing role of technology in solving cold cases
- The persistence of law enforcement in pursuing justice regardless of time elapsed
- The importance of systematic record-keeping and data accessibility
- The value of coordinated efforts between different police units
Both cases underscore the commitment of Davanagere district police to ensuring that those who evade the law eventually face justice, regardless of how many years have passed since their alleged crimes.
