In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police has successfully apprehended a life convict who had been on the run for nearly two months after jumping bail. The accused, Bhim Mahto, was convicted for the brutal murder of his own brother back in 1999.
Two-Decade-Old Crime and Conviction
The grim story dates back to the year 1999, when Bhim Mahto murdered his brother, Kishan Mahto. Following a trial, a sessions court at Tis Hazari found him guilty and in 2002 sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, Mahto had been out on bail while his appeal was pending in the higher courts.
The legal reprieve ended when the Delhi High Court dismissed his appeal on October 30 last year. Instead of surrendering to serve his sentence, Mahto chose to disappear. The court, consequently, issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him. Police records indicate he had been absconding since November 5.
The Manhunt and Technical Surveillance
A dedicated team from the Nabi Karim police station in Central Delhi launched an intensive search operation. According to DCP (Central) Nidhin Valsan, officers conducted surveillance not only at Mahto's native village in Bihar but also at his known and frequently used hideouts.
The investigation heavily relied on technical intelligence. Police employed advanced measures, including detailed analysis of mobile data and tracking through location-based services, to zero in on the fugitive's whereabouts.
Late-Night Raid in Gurgaon Leads to Arrest
The persistent efforts finally bore fruit when police acted on a specific tip-off. The trail led them to Pooja Colony in Sukhrali Enclave, Sector 17, Gurgaon, Haryana. In a meticulously planned late-night operation on Friday, the police team moved in and placed Bhim Mahto under arrest, ending his brief stint as a fugitive.
This arrest underscores the Delhi Police's commitment to tracking down individuals who attempt to evade the long arm of the law, even years after their conviction. It also highlights the increasing role of digital and technical surveillance in modern policing to apprehend absconding criminals.
