In a significant breakthrough, the Vijayapura Rural police have finally apprehended a murder suspect who had been evading capture for over a decade. The arrest closes a chapter on an 11-year-long manhunt that spanned multiple states.
The Decade-Long Chase Ends in Uttar Pradesh
The relentless pursuit culminated on December 30, 2025, when a police team tracked down and arrested Sunil Matabadal Yadav in Banda town, Uttar Pradesh. The operation was led by Assistant Sub-Inspector AI Indikar and Head Constable NS Yalladagi from the Vijayapura Rural police station. Following his arrest, Yadav was presented before a court, which subsequently ordered his judicial custody.
Revisiting the 2014 Highway Murder Case
The case dates back to the night of July 16, 2014. The victim, Laxman, son of Amarsingh, was sleeping inside his truck cabin near Gandhi Dhaba on the Vijayapura-Solapur national highway when he was murdered. The assailants fled the scene after stealing Rs 45,000 in cash and a mobile phone.
Acting on a formal complaint lodged by Gujratsingh Chansingh of Indore Prabhapuri, Madhya Pradesh, the Vijayapura Rural police, under the supervision of Circle Inspector BP Chandrashekhar, registered a case and launched an investigation. During the initial probe, police managed to arrest three individuals: Vimalkumar Jayaprakash Tiwari, Vinay Vasudev Shukla, and Vineet alias Vivek Vasudev Shukla. However, the fourth accused, Sunil Matabadal Yadav, remained at large, prompting a prolonged search operation.
Court Proceedings and the Split Chargesheet
The legal journey of this case saw several developments. A chargesheet was filed at the third additional district and sessions court in Vijayapura. After trial, the court delivered its verdict on April 28, 2015. Vimalkumar Tiwari and Vinay Shukla were acquitted, while Vineet (Vivek) Shukla was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 25,000.
Since Yadav was missing, investigators had filed a split chargesheet. The court had also issued a probation notice against the absconding accused. His eventual capture on December 30 allows for his separate trial to proceed.
Vijayapura Superintendent of Police Lakshman Nimbargi publicly commended the dedicated efforts of ASI Indikar and HC Yalladagi, whose persistence over the years led to this crucial arrest, demonstrating the police force's commitment to solving long-pending cases.
