Decades-Old Murder Case Solved: Accused Arrested After 40 Years
Major Breakthrough in Cold Case
Photo: IANS
New Delhi, April 23: In a significant development, the Central Range of the Delhi Crime Branch has apprehended a fugitive linked to a murder case that has remained unresolved for nearly 40 years, dating back to 1986.
The suspect, Chandra Shekhar Prasad, had evaded capture for almost four decades after allegedly killing his wife in the Shakarpur locality of East Delhi.
An official statement from the police described this operation as a moment of “Justice after 40 years,” emphasizing the remarkable investigative efforts that led to solving this long-standing cold case, which was recorded under FIR No. 375/1986 at Shakarpur Police Station.
On October 19, 1986, Prasad reportedly murdered his wife by striking her head with bricks, motivated by suspicions regarding her fidelity. During the incident, he and his accomplices also threatened a domestic worker with a firearm. Following the crime, Prasad and his associates fled, with the authorities declaring him a proclaimed offender in 1987. For decades, no progress was made in the investigation.
Investigators encountered numerous obstacles due to the case's age. The police noted, “The case remained unsolved for over 40 years, with no leads on the suspects,” highlighting the challenges posed by the lack of digital records, photographs, or modern identification methods that could have aided in locating the accused.
A specialized team led by Inspector Sunil Kumar Kalkhande, under the guidance of ACP Satendra Mohan, was established to tackle the case. They traced the suspect's family connections in Delhi and Bihar, monitoring suspicious mobile numbers discreetly. Field investigations in Nalanda, Bihar, confirmed that Prasad was alive and occasionally attended family gatherings.
Utilizing technical intelligence and human resources, the police tracked his movements to North-West Delhi. A strategic operation was executed on April 22, 2026, resulting in his capture at a factory storeroom in Nangli Poona, Alipur, where he was hiding under an alias.
Upon questioning, Prasad admitted to the murder, revealing that it stemmed from ongoing domestic conflicts and his suspicions.
Authorities noted that the accused had successfully avoided arrest for years by frequently moving between Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, working various jobs, including as a rickshaw puller, and even residing in an ashram.
“Our teams are dedicated to bringing criminals to justice and ensuring that victims receive the justice they deserve, regardless of how long it takes,” stated the Crime Branch, reaffirming their commitment to resolving even the most prolonged cases.