A 60-year-old wanted accused, who had absconded after being released on bail in an attempted murder case, has been arrested by the special team of Borivali Police after 36 years. The accused has been identified as Rajesh Shyamlal Singh alias Baba. Investigation revealed that after fleeing Mumbai, he had been residing in Valsad, Gujarat.
According to Assistant Police Inspector Sagar Salunke, a court warrant had been issued against him after he repeatedly remained absent during trial proceedings. After his arrest, he was produced before the Special Sessions Court in Dindoshi.
Rajesh Singh was earlier residing near Bhagwan Photo Studio in Hanuman Nagar, Kadamwadi, Kandivali. In January 1990, he had allegedly attacked a man with a sharp weapon following a minor dispute in the MHB area of Borivali. The victim had sustained serious injuries in the assault.
Following the incident, Borivali Police had registered a case against him under sections related to attempt to murder and other offences. He was arrested in the same case and later a chargesheet was filed against him.
While in judicial custody, his lawyer had moved a bail application, which was granted by the court. However, soon after securing bail, Rajesh absconded and failed to appear for regular court hearings.
As he remained untraceable for 36 years, the court declared him a wanted accused and issued a warrant for his arrest. Borivali Police were directed to trace and apprehend him.
Police had been continuously gathering information through his relatives, friends and local residents. Recently, API Sagar Salunke of the externment cell received information that Rajesh was living in the Valsad area of Gujarat.
Based on the tip-off, a police team was sent to Gujarat and launched a search operation. He was eventually detained from the Umargam area of Valsad.
During interrogation, it was confirmed that he was the same wanted accused in the attempted murder case. He was then brought to Mumbai for further legal action and produced before the Dindoshi Special Sessions Court.