In a significant breakthrough, the Dholpur police on Tuesday arrested a 58-year-old suspended head constable of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) for the alleged rape of a minor girl. The accused, identified as Ram Bharosi, was apprehended from Govardhan in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, where he was hiding in a startling disguise – as a woman.
A Notorious Offender with a Rs 10,000 Reward
Dholpur Superintendent of Police Vikas Sangwan provided details about the accused, painting a picture of a serial offender. Ram Bharosi, a resident of Diholi village in Dholpur district, is a habitual criminal with a notorious profile. The police had announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for information leading to his capture. SP Sangwan revealed that Bharosi has five previous cases registered against him, spanning serious charges like kidnapping, dowry-related crimes, excise violations, and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.
Deceptive Modus Operandi and Statewide Manhunt
The police investigation uncovered a pattern of deception used by the accused to evade law enforcement and lure victims. Bharosi frequently changed his name, location, and physical appearance to avoid arrest. He often posed as a police inspector or a deputy superintendent of police to gain the trust of potential victims and their families, exploiting their faith in authority.
The First Information Report (FIR) in this latest case was registered on December 15 based on a complaint filed by the survivor's father. The complaint alleges that Bharosi invited the minor girl to a house in Dholpur on the false pretext of providing her an admit card for a government job. It was there that he allegedly sexually assaulted her. Following the complaint, a case was registered under the stringent provisions of the Pocso Act.
After the FIR was lodged, police teams launched an extensive manhunt, conducting raids across multiple states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. However, Bharosi's expertise in changing his appearance and using false identities allowed him to slip through the net repeatedly.
Arrest in Female Disguise After Tip-Off
The chase ended on Tuesday when the Dholpur police received specific intelligence that the accused was hiding in the Govardhan area near Mathura. The tip-off crucially mentioned that he was disguised as a woman. A police team immediately rushed to the location and found Bharosi sitting at a roadside shop. Upon seeing the police, he attempted to flee towards nearby fields but was swiftly chased down and taken into custody.
The accused has been brought back to Dholpur and is currently under interrogation, said SP Vikas Sangwan. His arrest brings a measure of relief in a case that highlights the audacity of a repeat offender and the determined efforts of the police to bring him to justice, despite his elaborate attempts to conceal his identity.
