Surat : 19-Year Fugitive of Parghi Gang Nabbed in Mumbai

Surat : In a significant breakthrough under the aegis of ‘Operation Farar,’ the Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB) in Surat achieved a major success by apprehending a long-sought fugitive accused of evading justice for nearly two decades from Mumbai.

The fugitive identified as Raju alias Sudarshan Khandu Pawar, a key member of the notorious Parghi gang, was nabbed in Mumbai after absconding from serious crimes registered in Surat city for 19 years.

Raju, a pivotal figure in the Parghi gang, had eluded law enforcement after orchestrating a jailbreak, which included the unfortunate killing of a policeman. His involvement in a spate of robberies, lootings, and housebreaks around Surat had kept the police on a relentless pursuit for nearly two decades, ultimately culminating in his arrest in Mumbai.

Surat Police Commissioner Ajay Tomar confirmed the successful apprehension of the accused, praising the meticulous efforts of the PCB team in executing Operation Farar. The team’s diligence and information-gathering led to the tracking down of Raju alias Sudarshan Khandu Pawar, who had been residing in Mumbai as a beggar, often frequenting locations around the Kurla Railway Station and Ghatkopar Railway Station.

Tomar highlighted the City Police Commissioner’s directives to PCB, emphasizing the urgency of apprehending fugitives involved in serious crimes recorded in Surat City Police records.

A comprehensive list of the top 16 absconding suspects in serious crimes was formulated, with rewards announced for any information leading to their arrest. The successful capture of Raju, a prominent figure in the Parghi gang and a top contender in the wanted list, underscores the efficacy of this concerted effort.

Identifying and tracking the fugitive presented a significant challenge for law enforcement. The PCB team orchestrated a meticulous surveillance operation in Mumbai, forging connections with various beggars to gain crucial insights into the accused’s whereabouts. Through persistent efforts and trust-building measures, the team gleaned information that Raju had been frequenting Karajan in Maharashtra recently.

The decisive moment arrived when the police tracked Raju to a hut nestled in the forested area of Karajan, culminating in his long-overdue arrest.

“The PCB’s relentless pursuit and methodical approach, coupled with collaborative efforts and astute surveillance, culminated in the capture of a fugitive evading justice for nearly two decades, underscoring law enforcement’s commitment to ensuring accountability and closure for victims of crime in Surat” said Surat police commissioner Ajay Kumar Tomar.