The Delhi Police's Crime Branch on Thursday, 14 May 2025, arrested a wanted criminal from Bihar who had been absconding for over a year in connection with a murder and an attempt to murder — both involving the use of firearms. The accused, Kapil Kumar Paswan, 22, a resident of Madhubani district in Bihar, was caught working under a false identity as a sweeper at a roadside dhaba in Amar Colony, South East Delhi.

Background: Two FIRs, One Fugitive

Paswan is wanted in two serious criminal cases registered at Rajnagar and Rahika police stations in Madhubani district. According to investigators, the chain of events began in March 2025, when Paswan returned to his native village to settle a family property dispute. There, he reportedly joined forces with an associate, Sanjhu Jha, who was embroiled in a long-standing financial dispute with a local resident named Deepak.

On 26 March 2025, Paswan and Jha allegedly went to Deepak's shop and opened fire on him, killing him on the spot. An FIR (No. 5129023250115/25) was registered at PS Rajnagar on the complaint of the victim's mother, under Sections 103(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 27 of the Arms Act.

Days later, on 3 April 2025, the accused allegedly targeted Rahul Chaudhary, who had reportedly become aware of the murder and was feared as a potential witness. Chaudhary survived the shooting and was hospitalised. A second FIR (No. 5129030250079/25) was subsequently registered at PS Rahika under BNS provisions including attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, and common intention, along with Arms Act sections.

How Paswan Evaded Arrest

After both FIRs were filed, Paswan returned to Delhi and systematically cut off contact with family and former associates. He changed jobs frequently and concealed his identity to avoid detection — ultimately settling into the role of a dhaba sweeper in Amar Colony to blend into daily life. His co-accused, Sanjhu Jha, was arrested earlier by the Bihar Special Task Force (STF); Paswan, however, remained at large for more than a year.

The Decoy Operation That Caught Him

Acting on specific intelligence about Paswan's presence in Delhi, the Crime Branch's Southern Range unit launched a covert surveillance operation. A dedicated team — comprising ASI Krishna Kumar Pandey, Head Constable Jyoti, and Head Constable Vipin — was formed under Inspector Parvesh Lamba and supervised by ACP Manish Ladla.

The team maintained covert watch for two days, but Paswan proved highly alert, evading interception multiple times after sensing police presence. The Crime Branch then devised a decoy operation: on 12 May 2025, HC Vipin approached Paswan in plain clothes, ostensibly asking for directions. While engaging him in conversation, he discreetly signalled the team. ASI Pandey and HC Jyoti moved in swiftly, overpowering Paswan before he could flee.

What Investigators Say

During interrogation, Paswan allegedly disclosed the full sequence of events leading to his absconding, according to police. Investigators say the murders were rooted in a property and financial dispute, not organised crime — though the use of firearms in both incidents and the deliberate witness-elimination attempt point to premeditation. The case now moves to Bihar courts, where Paswan will face charges under the BNS and the Arms Act.