In a significant crackdown, the Gujarat Police have successfully tracked down and sent back to prison 41 convicted criminals who had fled while on parole or furlough. The operation, conducted over a fortnight starting November 26, also saw the return of an equal number of undertrial prisoners who had skipped bail.
The Drive: 'Operation Karawaas'
Gujarat's Director General of Police (DGP), Vikas Sahay, announced the results of this special drive on Monday, December 16, 2025. The initiative, named 'Operation Karawaas', specifically targeted individuals convicted of serious crimes who had abused the privilege of temporary release.
Police units across the state were directed to prioritize the search for those convicted in heinous cases. The focus was squarely on offenders involved in murder, attempt to murder, rape, and sexual assault against minors, ensuring that those posing the greatest threat to society were apprehended first.
Shocking Revelations and Long Absconders
The data revealed startling details about how long some of these fugitives had been evading justice. Of the 41 recaptured convicts:
- Six individuals had been absconding for more than ten years.
- Nine individuals had successfully stayed off the radar for over five years.
- In three extreme cases, the convicts had been missing for an astonishing more than 30 years.
In a related but somber discovery, the police verification process during the drive found that 25 other individuals who had skipped parole had already passed away.
Undertrials and Judicial Custody
Parallel to the hunt for convicted fugitives, Operation Karawaas also addressed the issue of undertrial prisoners who had violated their bail conditions. The police managed to locate and return 41 such undertrials to judicial custody. This dual-pronged action highlights a comprehensive effort to reinforce the integrity of the judicial and correctional system in Gujarat.
The successful fortnight-long operation underscores the police department's commitment to pursuing long-pending cases and ensuring that individuals who circumvent the law are held accountable, regardless of the time elapsed.
