Delhi Crime Branch arrests man wanted since 2020 in thumb-chopping robbery case
Synopsis
A man who allegedly chopped off both thumbs of an event manager during a robbery in Dwarka in 2020 has been arrested after more than five years on the run. Brahamdev Bhagat, declared a Proclaimed Offender by a Delhi court in December 2025, was tracked down in his home district of Purnia, Bihar, by a dedicated Crime Branch team.
Key Takeaways
Brahamdev Bhagat , wanted since 2020 , was arrested by Delhi Crime Branch's NDR unit on 17 May 2025 from Purnia, Bihar .
He is the prime accused in a brutal robbery in Sector-23, Dwarka on 17 March 2020 , in which victim Surinder Nanda's both thumbs were allegedly chopped off.
The accused also allegedly robbed ₹27,000 , snatched a diamond ring, and coerced the victim into signing documents for ₹11 lakh in alleged dues.
A Delhi court declared Bhagat a Proclaimed Offender on 11 December 2025 after he evaded arrest for years.
Three co-accused — Jitender, Amardeep, and Gautam — had already been arrested during earlier stages of the investigation.
Delhi Police Crime Branch's NDR unit on Monday, 18 May 2025, arrested Brahamdev Bhagat, a resident of Purnia, Bihar, who had been absconding for over five years in connection with a brutal robbery and assault in which the victim's both thumbs were allegedly chopped off. The arrest was made on 17 May under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), according to a Crime Branch press release.
Background: The 2020 Attack
The incident occurred on 17 March 2020 in Sector-23, Dwarka, New Delhi. The complainant, Surinder Nanda, an event manager, received a phone call about a party booking. As he had a prior medical appointment at Patel Nagar, he sent his manager, Kapil Chadha, in his place. The caller subsequently insisted on meeting Nanda personally, prompting him to travel to Dwarka with his driver, Ramesh, in his Innova car, arriving at the location around 8 pm.
Upon entering the premises, Nanda allegedly found Bhagat — previously his vegetable supplier — along with three associates. According to police, the group immediately began assaulting Nanda with sticks and rods. One of the accused snatched a diamond ring at knifepoint and robbed ₹27,000 from his purse. Bhagat allegedly also threatened to kill Nanda and forcibly obtained his signature on documents related to a payment of ₹11 lakh towards alleged vegetable dues, which the victim maintained were not owed.
Police stated that Bhagat then inflicted grievous injuries by chopping off both of Nanda's thumbs with a knife. The accused subsequently released Nanda and Chadha. Nanda reached DDU Hospital, after which a complaint was filed and FIR No. 109/2020 was registered on 18 March 2020 at Dwarka Sector-23 Police Station under Sections 342, 394, 397, 506, and 34 of the IPC.
Co-Accused Arrested Earlier; Main Accused Evaded Capture
During the initial investigation, local police arrested three accused — Jitender, Amardeep, and Gautam. However, Bhagat remained at large, allegedly moving between locations to evade law enforcement. A Delhi court declared him a Proclaimed Offender on 11 December 2025, intensifying the search.
How the Arrest Was Made
A dedicated Crime Branch team — led by SI Dipender and comprising Head Constables Rajbir, Ram Niwas, Parmanand, and Kuldeep, along with Woman Constable Gyanwati — operated under the supervision of Inspectors Yogesh and Vinod Yadav and ACP Umesh Barthwal. On 15 May, the team received specific intelligence that Bhagat was hiding in Purnia. Acting on the tip-off, the team conducted sustained surveillance, laid a trap, and apprehended him.
During interrogation, Bhagat allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime, according to police. Further legal proceedings are currently underway.
What Happens Next
With Bhagat now in custody, the Crime Branch is expected to produce him before a Delhi court for remand. The case, already more than five years old, will now move toward trial with all four accused accounted for. The arrest also underscores the sustained use of Proclaimed Offender proceedings as a tool to pursue long-absconding suspects across state lines.
Point of View
Not an obscure location. The case also illustrates a pattern where co-accused are swiftly detained while the alleged ringleader exploits jurisdictional seams. The Delhi court's Proclaimed Offender declaration in December 2025 appears to have been the catalyst for the sustained surveillance that finally led to the arrest, suggesting that formal judicial pressure, rather than routine investigation, is what accelerates action in such cases.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Brahamdev Bhagat and why was he arrested?
Brahamdev Bhagat is a Bihar resident arrested by Delhi Crime Branch on 17 May 2025 as the prime accused in a 2020 robbery and assault case in Dwarka, New Delhi, in which victim Surinder Nanda's both thumbs were allegedly chopped off. He had been absconding since the crime and was declared a Proclaimed Offender by a Delhi court in December 2025.
What happened during the 2020 Dwarka robbery?
On 17 March 2020, event manager Surinder Nanda was lured to Sector-23, Dwarka, under the pretext of a party booking. He was allegedly assaulted with sticks and rods, robbed of ₹27,000 and a diamond ring, forced to sign documents for ₹11 lakh, and had both his thumbs chopped off with a knife. An FIR was registered the following day at Dwarka Sector-23 Police Station.
How did the Delhi Crime Branch track down the accused?
A dedicated NDR unit team, supervised by ACP Umesh Barthwal, received specific intelligence on 15 May 2025 that Bhagat was hiding in Purnia, Bihar. The team travelled to the location, conducted sustained surveillance, and apprehended him after laying a trap.
Were other accused in the case arrested earlier?
Yes. Three co-accused — Jitender, Amardeep, and Gautam — were arrested by local police during the initial investigation in 2020. Bhagat was the only accused who had remained at large until his arrest in May 2025.
What charges does Brahamdev Bhagat face?
Bhagat is named in FIR No. 109/2020 registered under Sections 342, 394, 397, 506, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code at Dwarka Sector-23 Police Station. He was arrested under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and further legal proceedings are underway.
