In a major breakthrough, police have arrested a 60-year-old man who had been evading authorities for nearly two decades in connection with a 2005 dacoity case in Palghar. The accused, who had managed to stay off the radar for 20 years, was finally tracked down and apprehended in Khanvel, a town in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The 2005 Palghar Dacoity: A Crime That Shocked the Region

The case dates back to March 2005, when a gang of over a dozen armed dacoits stormed into an office in Ambatpada, Vasai. The criminals, wielding deadly weapons, threatened the victims at knifepoint before making off with a loot of ₹43,000 in cash, a mobile phone, and two firearms—a rifle and a pistol—that were stored in the office.

The brazen nature of the crime sent shockwaves through the region, prompting law enforcement agencies to launch an extensive investigation to nab the perpetrators.

Two Decades of Investigation: How Police Closed In on the Fugitive

Soon after the crime, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under:

? Section 395 of the IPC – Punishment for dacoity
? Section 397 of the IPC – Robbery or dacoity with an attempt to cause death or grievous hurt
? Arms Act Provisions – For illegal possession and use of firearms

Over the years, the police successfully arrested 18 individuals linked to the dacoity. However, three of the accused remained on the run. One of them has since passed away, leaving two fugitives still at large.

Determined to close the case, law enforcement officials continued their search, meticulously tracking leads and monitoring movement patterns. Their persistence paid off when investigators recently received intelligence on the whereabouts of the 60-year-old accused. Acting swiftly, a special team was dispatched to Khanvel in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, where the fugitive was finally taken into custody.

Crackdown on Long-Pending Criminal Cases Continues

This arrest marks a significant success for the police in their ongoing efforts to crack down on long-pending cases. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to bringing all absconding criminals to justice, no matter how much time has passed. The search for the last remaining fugitive in this case continues, with officials confident that he too will soon be apprehended.

The arrested individual has now been remanded into custody, and further investigations are underway to determine if he was involved in any other criminal activities during his two decades on the run.