Did Mumbai Police Finally Catch a Murder Suspect After 46 Years?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Long-term evasion of justice can be overcome.
- Police persistence is crucial in cold cases.
- Modern technology aids in tracking down fugitives.
- The importance of accountability in the justice system.
- Historical cases can resurface with new evidence.
New Delhi, Oct 15 (NationPress) In a remarkable turn of events, Mumbai's Colaba Police have apprehended a man who had evaded justice for an incredible 48 years, linked to an attempted murder case from 1977.
The individual, recognized as 71-year-old Chandrashekhar Madhukar Kalekar, was taken into custody from a residence in Dapoli, Ratnagiri district. At the time of the alleged offense, he was just 23 years old.
As per police reports, Kalekar had assaulted his girlfriend with a knife in Colaba after harboring suspicions of her infidelity. He was detained initially, but after being released on bail, he failed to return to court.
“Post his bail, he ceased attending court sessions. Over the years, numerous warrants were issued against him, and he was ultimately labeled a proclaimed offender,” stated a senior officer from Colaba Police. “Our search for him spanned decades.”
The investigation stalled when Kalekar, residing in Haji Kasam Chawl in Lalbaug, moved after the chawl underwent redevelopment. Six months prior, Colaba Police reopened the case and commenced a renewed search. Officers visited his last known address, only to discover a new building in place of the chawl. They explored various locations in Mumbai, examined voter lists, and scrutinized public records, but his name was nowhere to be found.
“We could not locate him through electoral records. Therefore, we started reviewing court documents and transport department databases. That’s when we uncovered a 2015 criminal case against him at Dapoli Police Station for injuring someone during a road rage incident,” the officer explained.
Uncertain whether Kalekar still resided at the address linked to the Dapoli case, a police team visited the site late Monday night, and to their astonishment, found him there. “He was taken aback to see the police after 48 years. He had nearly forgotten about the case,” the officer added.
At the time of the alleged offense, Kalekar was only 23. Now at 71, his appearance had changed drastically.
“Identifying him from the decades-old photographs was challenging. However, during questioning, he admitted to the crime,” confirmed the police.
Kalekar has been presented in court and has been placed in judicial custody.