New Delhi: Delhi Police have arrested a 53-year-old fugitive accused in the 1998 murder of a Haryana Police official after tracing him to Madhya Pradesh, where investigators allege he lived under a false identity, operated an unregistered medical clinic, and built a new life while remaining absconding for nearly three decades.
The accused, Rajinder Bairagi, also known as Rajinder Singh Yadav and locally referred to as "Dr. Jhatka," was arrested from Mungaoli in Ashok Nagar district, Madhya Pradesh, following a months-long investigation by the Delhi Police Crime Branch. According to police, he had been evading law enforcement since February 14, 1999, when he allegedly escaped from police custody while being escorted from Ghaziabad Jail to a court in Sonipat, Haryana.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Chander Kumar Singh said investigators reconstructed the accused's movements, verified his assumed identity, monitored his daily routine, and ultimately carried out a successful raid leading to his arrest.
According to Delhi Police, the case dates back to May 10, 1998, when Rajinder allegedly attended a wedding in Saiyan Khera village, Sonipat, Haryana. Police alleged that an argument broke out between his group and members of the bride's family before violence erupted.
Investigators said Rajinder and five armed associates allegedly opened fire during the incident. Jai Bhagwan, the bride's uncle and a serving Haryana Police official, was killed in the shooting, while another individual sustained serious injuries.
Rajinder was subsequently arrested in connection with the case. However, police said he escaped custody on February 14, 1999, while being escorted by Uttar Pradesh Police personnel from Ghaziabad Jail to a Sonipat court via Ganaur railway station. Authorities then registered an additional case related to his alleged escape from lawful custody.
Police said Rajinder initially travelled to Colaba, Maharashtra, where he reportedly worked for about a year as a physical education teacher before relocating to Mungaoli in Ashok Nagar district, Madhya Pradesh.
Investigators alleged that he adopted the identity of Rajender Singh Yadav and obtained multiple official identity documents under that name, including an Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter identity card, driving licence, and domicile certificate. According to police, these documents enabled him to establish himself in the community without attracting suspicion.
In 2003, he allegedly married an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) employed at a government hospital in Mungaoli. The couple has two school-going children, and police said neighbours knew him only by his assumed identity.
According to investigators, Rajinder allegedly operated an unregistered medical clinic despite lacking medical registration, earning the local nickname "Dr. Jhatka." Police also alleged that he worked as a property dealer and undertook small civil contracts while living under his assumed identity.
During questioning, police said the accused told investigators that he had been a kabaddi player and claimed he became associated with criminal elements through the sport.
The breakthrough came after the Delhi Police Crime Branch renewed efforts to trace long-absconding suspects involved in serious criminal offences. During the investigation, officers revisited two 1997 attempt-to-murder cases registered at Janakpuri Police Station in Delhi, in which Rajinder had been declared a proclaimed offender in 2008.
Police said investigators combined field intelligence with digital verification to connect the accused's assumed identity to his original criminal record. After confirming his residence and monitoring his movements, the Crime Branch conducted a raid in Mungaoli and arrested him before bringing him to Delhi on transit remand.
Police said Rajinder is wanted in at least eight criminal cases, including allegations of murder, attempt to murder, offences under the Arms Act, theft, and escape from police custody. Investigators are now examining whether any additional offences were committed while he remained absconding and whether his alleged medical practice violated laws governing medical registration and clinical establishments.
Authorities have not announced any charges against his family members, and there is no indication from police that they were aware of his alleged criminal history. The investigation remains ongoing.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)