Delhi Police Arrest Man Absconding for 42 Years in 1984 Vikaspuri Murder

The Delhi Police crime branch has arrested a 65-year-old man who had been absconding for over 42 years in connection with a 1984 murder case in west Delhi's Vikaspuri. The accused, identified as Natthu, a resident of Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended following a targeted operation by investigators.

According to Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) HGS Dhaliwal, the case dates back to May 23, 1984, when a body bearing multiple stab wounds was discovered at District Park in Vikaspuri. The deceased was subsequently identified as Ashok Kumar, a resident of Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh.

During the initial investigation in 1984, police uncovered the involvement of Bhabhuti Prashad, who also hailed from Sitapur. Prashad was arrested at the time, and the knife allegedly used in the killing was recovered. However, Natthu managed to escape and successfully evaded law enforcement for decades.

A dedicated police team was recently constituted to track down Natthu. Investigators combed through archived case files and conducted ground verifications, spending several months across Sitapur and Hardoi to establish the suspect's identity, daily movements, and current location. On August 18, the team traced Natthu near his native village and apprehended him while he was travelling towards Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Police said Natthu and Prashad were friends, while Prashad and the victim, Ashok, lived in the same village. A dispute had reportedly erupted after Ashok allegedly made advances towards Prashad's wife. On the night of the incident, the three men consumed alcohol together in a park, after which Natthu and Prashad allegedly attacked and killed Ashok.

During his four decades on the run, Natthu worked in wholesale vegetable markets across various locations in Uttar Pradesh to maintain a low profile. Investigators noted that he never married and lived alone to avoid drawing attention to himself.