Barwani patricide: Accused Chandan Badole held after 35-day manhunt in MP
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Madhya Pradesh Police arrested Chandan Badole, 32, on 26 May from dense forests along the Narmada River in Barwani district, ending a 35-day manhunt that followed the alleged fatal shooting of his father over a money dispute. The accused was captured after an informant provided precise intelligence, and sustained injuries after attempting to flee by jumping from a temple roof.
How the Arrest Unfolded
Barwani Kotwali Police had formed three separate teams to track Badole across forests and hilly terrain. Despite multiple raids, he had repeatedly evaded capture by changing hideouts and monitoring police movements. A declared reward of ₹10,000 on his head eventually helped generate the informant tip that led to his arrest. He is currently in police custody and undergoing further interrogation.
The Crime: What Happened on 20 April
The alleged patricide took place on 20 April in Pichhodi village, Barwani district. According to police, Badole — a former welder — had been persistently demanding more than ₹2 lakh from his father, Jagan Badole, 58, even though Jagan had already handed over ₹2 lakh previously by mortgaging a piece of land. On the afternoon of the incident, Chandan intercepted his father and mother, Gauri Bai — an Anganwadi worker — on the road as they returned home. A verbal argument escalated into a physical scuffle.
Chandan allegedly produced what police described as a country-made pistol and shot his father at point-blank range in the head, killing him instantly. Gauri Bai, who witnessed the incident, immediately alerted police and provided a full account of events.
Background: A Family Under Strain
Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Mahesh Sunaiya confirmed that tensions between father and son had been building for some time. Chandan had reportedly posted a social media 'reel' shortly before the killing, complaining that his father owned sufficient land but was withholding money from him. Family sources noted that his aggressive behaviour had already cost him his marriage — his wife had left him — while a younger brother had distanced himself from the dispute.
What Happens Next
Police officials have confirmed that investigation is ongoing to determine whether any other factors contributed to the crime. The arrest has brought some measure of closure to the family, though the killing has deeply unsettled residents of the otherwise quiet village of Pichhodi. Formal charges are expected to follow the completion of interrogation.