In a major breakthrough, Trombay Police have arrested a 72-year-old man accused in an attempt to murder case who had been absconding for the past 45 years. The accused, identified as Popat Govind Vaydande, was apprehended from Ambegaon in Sangli district following a well-planned operation led by Police Sub-Inspector Sharad Nanekar.
According to police, the accused was previously residing in the Nimoni Baug slum area of Govandi before fleeing. Multiple serious offences had been registered against him under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 332, 143, 145, 146, 147, and 148 of the Indian Penal Code. A proclamation had also been issued against him by the Hon’ble Sessions Court (Court No. 39), Mumbai.
Investigations revealed that Vaydande had been evading arrest for decades and had been living under a changed identity in the Khanapur area of Sangli for the last 20 years.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Senior Police Inspector Rita Nemlekar and Police Inspector (Crime) Tukaram Koyande. Acting on a tip-off from a confidential informant and with assistance from local residents, the police team laid a trap and successfully nabbed the accused.
Police have informed his relative, Sarika Kamble, about the arrest. This significant development in a decades-old case highlights the persistent efforts and vigilance of the Mumbai Police in tracking down long-absconding accused.