New Delhi: The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested Rajinder Bairagi, also known as “Dr. Jhatka,” after he allegedly remained absconding for nearly 28 years in connection with the murder of a Haryana Police constable.
According to police, Bairagi was living under a fake identity in Mungaoli, Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh. He was allegedly working as an unqualified doctor and treating local residents.
A court had previously declared him a proclaimed offender.
Accused Lived Under a Fake Identity
Police said that after going into hiding, Bairagi changed his name to Rajinder Singh Yadav.
According to investigators, he got married in 2003 and started a new life using the assumed identity.
His wife reportedly works at a government hospital. Meanwhile, Bairagi allegedly treated people in the local area and became popularly known as “Dr. Jhatka.”
Police are now investigating how he managed to maintain the false identity for so many years.
Crime Branch Traced Him to Madhya Pradesh
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), a fresh investigation into two pending cases registered at Janakpuri Police Station in 1997 provided new leads.
Following the leads, the Crime Branch launched a special operation.
Police used surveillance and technical intelligence to trace Bairagi to Mungaoli.
He was arrested on August 5, according to police.
Forged Documents Under Investigation
The investigation reportedly found that Bairagi had allegedly created his new identity using forged documents.
Police are now trying to determine how he obtained the documents and how he avoided arrest for nearly three decades.
Investigators are also examining whether other people helped him remain hidden during this period.
Around 10 Criminal Cases Reported
According to police, Bairagi is facing around 10 criminal cases registered in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
The cases reportedly include allegations of:
- Attempt to murder
- Escaping from police custody while handcuffed
- Murder
- Other serious criminal offences
In 2008, a Rohini court reportedly declared him a proclaimed offender in two cases.
From Kabaddi Player to Crime Accused
During interrogation, police learned that Bairagi had previously been a kabaddi player.
Investigators believe that he came into contact with criminals during that period and later became involved in criminal activities.
His name reportedly surfaced in connection with the 1998 murder of a Haryana Police constable.
According to police, the incident followed a dispute at a wedding ceremony in Sonipat. After the incident, Bairagi allegedly went into hiding.
Accused Brought to Delhi
Following his arrest, Bairagi was brought to Delhi on transit remand.
He was subsequently produced before the Dwarka Court.
The Crime Branch is now conducting further interrogation.
Investigators are expected to examine his alleged fake identity, previous criminal cases and possible accomplices.
The police investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as investigators continue examining the evidence.
