Jaipur, September 13 (Patrika English News): In a major breakthrough under Operation Hanta, Karauli police have arrested Santosh Gurjar (32), the prime accused in the 2018 murder case of lecturer Neetu Gurjar. Santosh, a resident of Jagdishpura in Hindaun’s New Mandi police station area, had been absconding for the last seven years and carried a reward of ?50,000 on his arrest.
Acting on the directions of SP Lokesh Sonwal, a special team tracked Santosh to Thulluru village near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, where he had been hiding while working as a labourer. The accused had been frequently changing locations in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh to evade arrest.
When the police team reached the village, Santosh tried to escape into the forest, but after a one-kilometre chase, officers overpowered and arrested him. He will now be handed over to Todabhim police for further investigation.
Case Background
The case dates back to 14 November 2018, when lecturer Neetu Gurjar was travelling with her brother Lokesh on a motorcycle. A Scorpio SUV rammed into their bike, leaving both seriously injured. Neetu later succumbed to her injuries. Investigations revealed it was a planned murder, allegedly masterminded by Neeraj Gurjar, after Neetu refused to marry his brother. The case had sparked widespread protests by social groups and local residents.
Police Team Behind the Arrest
The operation was led by Masalpur SHO Neeraj Kumar Sharma, with key contributions from Head Constable Paramjeet Singh, Constables Rajesh Kumar, Ravindra Singh, Brijesh Singh, and Jaiveer Singh. Paramjeet Singh and Rajesh Kumar played a crucial role in gathering precise intelligence that led to the fugitive’s capture.