Kanpur Police Apprehend Fugitive Murder Accused After Three-and-a-Half Decades
In a significant breakthrough, the Kanpur police have successfully arrested a murder accused who had been evading capture for an astonishing 35 years. The arrest was made from the Koyla Nagar area in Chakeri, bringing a long-standing manhunt to a dramatic conclusion.
Details of the Historic Case and Arrest
The accused, identified as Shaukat, was wanted in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred back in 1984. The incident was rooted in a bitter rivalry between two groups of wrestlers, leading to the tragic death of a man named Sultan in Khudare Dadra Rasoolpur Khan, located in Gonda district.
DCP (Central) Atul Kumar Srivastava provided insights during a press conference held on Monday, revealing that the case was originally registered based on a complaint filed by the victim's family members. Following the initial legal proceedings, Shaukat was sent to jail and later transferred to Gonda jail.
The Long Escape and Intensive Search Efforts
Shaukat managed to abscond in 1990 after securing bail, marking the beginning of his prolonged evasion from justice. He had initially provided his address as Chamanganj, where he resided on rent, but despite exhaustive search operations by the police, his whereabouts remained elusive for decades.
In a renewed effort to capture the fugitive, Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal announced a substantial reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to Shaukat's arrest on January 20, 2026. This move galvanized the investigation, with two dedicated teams deployed to track down the accused.
Breakthrough in Investigation and Final Apprehension
The investigation took a crucial turn when four mobile numbers linked to Shaukat's family members surfaced during the probe. Leveraging this critical lead, the police teams intensified their efforts, ultimately locating and arresting Shaukat from Koyla Nagar in Chakeri.
According to DCP Srivastava, Shaukat had recently arrived in Kanpur after a long absence and was en route to a relative's house in Chakeri when he was apprehended. This arrest underscores the persistent efforts of law enforcement in pursuing long-standing cases.
Life on the Run and Current Status
Shaukat, now approximately 70 years old, had been living under a changed identity in Gonda. To sustain himself, he operated a vegetable cart while carefully concealing his true identity from the authorities and the public.
His arrest not only brings closure to a decades-old case but also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking down fugitives who blend into society. The Kanpur police's dedication in this manhunt serves as a testament to their commitment to justice, regardless of the time elapsed.
