CBI Nabs Fugitive in 2005 Kerala Student Murder Case
Synopsis
A significant breakthrough in the 2005 murder case of Kerala engineering student Shyamal Mandal has occurred, with the CBI arresting a long-sought proclaimed offender. This case, involving abduction for ransom, has seen the fugitive evade capture for years.
Key Takeaways
Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri has been arrested after years of evasion.
The murder case involves Shyamal Mandal , a student from 2005.
The case was reassigned to the CBI following a High Court order.
The co-accused, Mohammed Ali , was convicted in 2022.
The investigation continues to seek justice for the victim.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 28 (NationPress) — The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully apprehended a proclaimed offender (PO) who had been evading authorities in connection to the 2005 abduction and murder of Shyamal Mandal, a student at the College of Engineering in Thiruvananthapuram. An official announcement was made on Saturday.
Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri, also known as Deepak, was located and arrested on Friday, according to a statement from the CBI.
Following the crime, it was uncovered that the suspect had been living under the guise of Suraj B. Bhatt, the son of Balbahadur Rambahadur Bhatt. He not only concealed his true identity but also entered into a marriage and established residency in Nagpur, as stated by the agency.
The investigation indicated that the murder was orchestrated by Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri alongside his accomplice, Mohammed Ali, both of whom are originally from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Since the onset of the investigation in 2005, Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri had been on the run.
After an extensive probe, the CBI submitted a chargesheet against both suspects. Nevertheless, Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri continued to elude capture, leading the trial court to label him a Proclaimed Offender.
The trial for co-accused Mohammed Ali concluded, resulting in his conviction in 2022.
The CBI re-registered the case on December 31, 2008, as per a directive from the High Court of Kerala issued on December 10, 2008.
Authority was transferred from the state police to the CBI for this case, which centers around the disappearance of Shyamal Mandal, whose family received a ransom demand prior to the discovery of his body on October 23, 2005.
Despite the charges filed, Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri managed to remain at large for several years.
The CBI intends to present the accused in front of the jurisdictional court in Ernakulam and will request custody for further questioning.
Point of View
This arrest highlights the persistent efforts of the CBI in pursuing justice for heinous crimes. The long-standing evasion by the accused underscores the challenges faced in the investigation, yet it also showcases the resilience of law enforcement in upholding accountability.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the 2005 Kerala murder case?
Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri, also known as Deepak, was arrested by the CBI.
What was the nature of the crime?
The case involves the abduction for ransom and brutal murder of Shyamal Mandal.
When did the murder occur?
The murder took place in 2005.
What was the outcome for the co-accused?
Co-accused Mohammed Ali was convicted in 2022.
What led to the CBI's involvement in this case?
The High Court of Kerala ordered the investigation to be transferred to the CBI in 2008.
