Ahmedabad Crime Branch Apprehends History-Sheeter in 2021 Raipur Murder Case
The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch has successfully apprehended a notorious history-sheeter, Ajaykumar Mishra, who was wanted in connection with a brutal murder that occurred in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, back in 2021. The arrest, made on Friday, marks a significant breakthrough in a case that has remained unresolved for nearly five years, highlighting the persistence and technical prowess of modern law enforcement agencies.
Roots of the Crime: A Family Property Dispute Turns Deadly
According to detailed police reports, the murder case originated from a bitter family property dispute. Shakuntala Devi and her younger son, Amit, were embroiled in a contentious conflict over property ownership with Shakuntala's other son, Ajay. In a desperate attempt to resolve the situation, Shakuntala and Amit allegedly approached Ajaykumar Mishra, a history-sheeter who worked as a security guard at the hospital where Amit was employed. Aware of Mishra's criminal background, they offered him a sum of Rs 4 lakh to eliminate Ajay.
Mishra accepted an advance payment of Rs 1 lakh but subsequently vanished without fulfilling the contract. This betrayal set off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to tragedy. Four months later, Shakuntala and Amit tracked Mishra down to his village and confronted him, demanding that he either complete the assigned job or return the advance money.
The Fatal Night: Murder and Theft in Raipur
In response to the confrontation, Mishra and his associate, Ketan Tiwari, arrived at Shakuntala's residence in the Tikrapara locality of Raipur. They claimed they had come to finally carry out the contract. However, upon arrival, they discovered that Amit was incarcerated on a separate offense, leaving Shakuntala alone and vulnerable.
The two men stayed overnight at the house. Tragically, they did not come to fulfill the contract but instead strangled Shakuntala to death. After committing the murder, they fled the scene with stolen valuables, including approximately Rs 10 lakh in cash and between 30 to 35 tolas of gold jewelry. The gold was later sold to a trader in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, as part of their efforts to evade law enforcement.
Eluding Capture: A Multi-City Manhunt
Following the murder, Mishra and Tiwari employed sophisticated tactics to avoid detection. They ceased using mobile phones and avoided government identity documents such as PAN and Aadhaar cards. Mishra initially sought refuge in Goa before moving to the Naroda area of Ahmedabad in 2022 to stay with his brother. He later shifted to Mumbai, constantly moving between these cities in a deliberate attempt to throw police off his trail.
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch, however, remained relentless in their pursuit. Utilizing advanced technical intelligence and meticulous field surveillance, officers were able to track Mishra's movements and pinpoint his location. This coordinated effort culminated in his arrest, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern investigative techniques in solving complex criminal cases.
Legal Proceedings and Coordination
With Mishra now in custody, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch is actively coordinating with the Raipur police for the formal handover and subsequent legal proceedings. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring that justice is served for the victim, Shakuntala Devi, and her family. The case serves as a stark reminder of how family disputes can escalate into violent crimes and the importance of law enforcement vigilance in bringing perpetrators to justice, regardless of the time elapsed.
The arrest not only closes a chapter on a long-standing investigation but also underscores the dedication of police forces across state lines in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens from dangerous criminals.
