In a significant breakthrough, police in Kendrapada district have arrested a 53-year-old man who had been evading capture for over eight years in connection with a brutal rape case from 2018. The accused, a neighbour of the survivor, was apprehended from his residence late on Friday night, bringing a long and arduous manhunt to a close.
Decade-Long Evasion Ends With Arrest
The arrest marks the culmination of an intensive search operation that spanned more than eight years. According to Inspector Sandhyarani Jena, the accused fled the village immediately after committing the alleged crime in 2018, forcing authorities to form a special team dedicated to tracking him down.
Tip-Off Leads to Capture
"Acting on a tip-off, we arrested him when he came to his house," Inspector Jena stated, highlighting the crucial intelligence that finally led to the breakthrough. The police had been monitoring his movements and possible hideouts for years before this decisive action.
Details of the 2018 Incident
The case dates back to March 7, 2018, when the survivor, then 19 years old, filed a First Information Report (FIR) alleging she was raped while alone in her house. The accused, taking advantage of his proximity as a neighbour, allegedly committed the crime and then threatened her with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
Following his arrest, the accused was produced before a court in Rajnagar on Saturday. The court rejected his bail application and remanded him in judicial custody, ensuring he remains behind bars as the legal process moves forward. This decision underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating the case.
Community and Police Response
The arrest has brought a sense of relief to the local community, which had been living with the unresolved case for years. Police officials have emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice, regardless of how long it takes. "We formed a special team to nab him," Inspector Jena reiterated, pointing to the persistent efforts that ultimately paid off.
The case serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down fugitives, but also highlights the importance of community cooperation and timely tip-offs in solving such heinous crimes. Authorities continue to investigate any potential accomplices or additional details related to the incident.
