Murder accused held in Pune after evading arrest for 40 years
Synopsis
A man wanted in a murder case since his teens managed to stay off the radar for nearly 40 years — allegedly by hiding in plain sight in a Pune district village under a false identity. Mumbai Police's absconding accused search team finally closed the net on 20 August, arresting Suresh Chander Adagale, now 59, in Ranjangaon after combining technical surveillance with ground intelligence.
Key Takeaways
Suresh Chander Adagale , 59 , was arrested by Sakinaka Police on 20 August from Ranjangaon, Shirur tehsil, Pune district .
Adagale was first arrested in a murder case at age 19 ; he jumped bail and disappeared for nearly 40 years .
A non-bailable warrant had been outstanding against him since he failed to appear in court after being granted bail.
Police used technical surveillance and confidential sources to trace him; he had allegedly been living under a concealed identity.
He is now in custody and facing further legal proceedings as directed by the court.
Mumbai Police have arrested a 59-year-old man who allegedly evaded law enforcement for nearly four decades in connection with a murder case, officials confirmed. Suresh Chander Adagale was apprehended by the Sakinaka Police on 20 August from Ranjangaon, Shirur tehsil, Pune district, following a sustained search operation that combined technical surveillance with intelligence from confidential sources.
Background of the Case
According to police, Adagale was first arrested in the murder case when he was just 19 years old. A court subsequently granted him bail with a direction to remain present for further proceedings. He failed to appear before the court on multiple occasions, prompting the court to issue a non-bailable warrant against him. He then disappeared entirely, remaining untraceable for close to 40 years.
How the Arrest Was Made
The Sakinaka Police Station's dedicated absconding accused search team recently revived efforts to locate Adagale. Officers used technical surveillance and inputs from confidential sources to establish his whereabouts. The investigation revealed that Adagale had allegedly been living in the Ranjangaon area under a concealed identity to avoid detection. A police team was dispatched to the location, where they laid a trap at his address and successfully apprehended him.
Scale of the Manhunt
The arrest underscores the persistence of Mumbai Police's efforts to trace long-pending absconders — individuals who have remained outside the reach of law enforcement for several decades. Adagale's case is notable for the sheer duration of his evasion: nearly 40 years elapsed between his bail-related disappearance and his eventual capture. This is the kind of cold-case closure that rarely makes it to public record, yet reflects a systematic institutional effort to clear long-outstanding warrants.
What Happens Next
Adagale is currently in police custody, with authorities proceeding with further legal action in accordance with the court's standing orders. The case will now return to the judicial process that was interrupted when he first absconded following his bail release.
Point of View
Particularly from older, lower-profile cases. The Sakinaka team deserves credit for the eventual arrest, but the more uncomfortable story is why it took this long. As courts grapple with pendency and undertrial backlogs, the parallel problem of absconding accused who simply outlast institutional memory rarely gets the policy attention it warrants.
NationPress
22 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Suresh Chander Adagale and why was he arrested?
Suresh Chander Adagale is a 59-year-old man arrested by Mumbai's Sakinaka Police on 20 August in connection with a murder case that dates back roughly four decades. He had originally been arrested at age 19, was granted bail, and then failed to appear in court — triggering a non-bailable warrant — before disappearing for nearly 40 years.
Where was Adagale found after 40 years?
He was found in Ranjangaon, Shirur tehsil, Pune district. According to police, he had allegedly been living there while concealing his identity to avoid detection by law enforcement.
How did Mumbai Police track down Adagale?
The Sakinaka Police Station's absconding accused search team used technical surveillance combined with intelligence from confidential sources to establish his location. Officers then travelled to Pune, laid a trap at his address, and apprehended him.
What legal action follows the arrest?
Adagale is currently in police custody. Authorities are proceeding with further legal action in accordance with the court's standing orders, meaning the original murder case proceedings — suspended when he absconded — will now resume.
Is this part of a broader Mumbai Police initiative?
Yes. According to officials, the arrest is part of Mumbai Police's ongoing efforts to trace long-pending absconders, including accused persons who have evaded law enforcement for several decades. A dedicated search team within Sakinaka Police Station focuses specifically on such cases.
