Madhya Pradesh Native Nabbed in Gujarat Over 1996 Looting

Police in Gujarat have arrested a 60‑year‑old man originally from Madhya Pradesh in connection with a 1996 looting case that remained unsolved for over three decades. Pratap Bhuriya, a resident of Bokdia village in Alirajpur district, was seized by the Local Crime Branch (LCB) from Khatli village in Rajkot district. He had been wanted for a robbery reported at Vapi Town Police Station in November 1996, where four gunmen allegedly barged into a home, threatened occupants with sticks and knives, and stole cash and gold ornaments.

The accused evaded capture by working intermittently as an agricultural labourer and constantly relocating across Gujarat. Over the years, the LCB re‑examined evidence, used technical data and relied heavily on informant testimonies to trace his movements. The decisive tip came from a constable of the Parole‑Follow‑Up Squad, who learned that Bhuriya was employed on a farm in the Jam Kondorna region.

Sub‑Inspector J.B. Dhanisha led a three‑month covert operation in Khatli, where LCB officers lived among locals, used disguise, and maintained a human intelligence network to gather actionable information. Their persistence resulted in the arrest of Bhuriya at a farm owned by Harshabhai Vekaria.

After his detention, the suspect was handed over to Vapi Town Police Station for further legal action and detailed investigation. The arrest highlights the effectiveness of Gujarat’s long‑term strategy to track down fugitives who have been on the run for decades.