CID Declares Rs 1 Lakh Reward for Information on Absconding Murder Accused
The Crime Investigation Department (CID) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has taken a significant step in a high-profile murder investigation by announcing a substantial cash reward for information leading to the arrest of a key accused. The department has declared a reward of Rs 1 lakh for credible information about the whereabouts of Krishna Andhale, who is accused in the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
Accused Evades Arrest for Over a Year
Krishna Andhale has been absconding for the past 14 months, evading authorities despite intensive efforts to locate him. The special investigation team (SIT) of the CID, under the leadership of deputy superintendent of police Anil Gujar, obtained a standing warrant against Andhale as part of the ongoing probe into the murder case.
Officials revealed that Andhale went on the run immediately after the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, which had sparked considerable concern in the local area. Villagers had been demanding swift action against those involved in the crime. While other accused individuals in the case have been successfully traced and apprehended, Andhale has managed to remain at large, prompting the CID to intensify its search operations.
Court Intervention Spurs Renewed Efforts
The recent move to declare the cash reward came after a court sought an update from the CID regarding Andhale's prolonged absconding status. Following this judicial query, the CID ramped up its efforts to trace the accused, exploring multiple leads and stepping up surveillance and intelligence gathering activities.
An officer part of the SIT stated, "If the accused neither surrenders nor is arrested, the CID will soon move an application to declare him to be absconding. Once that is done, it will be followed by steps to seize his movable and immovable assets." This indicates that the department is prepared to take further legal measures if Andhale continues to evade capture.
Multilingual Public Notices Issued
To broaden the search and enhance the chances of apprehending Andhale, the CID has issued public notices in both Marathi and Kannada languages. These multilingual circulars appeal to the public to share any information that could help locate the accused. Officials indicated that the decision to use Kannada alongside Marathi was strategic, considering the possibility that Andhale may have crossed state borders or hidden in regions with significant Kannada-speaking populations.
An official cited a pamphlet issued by the CID's SIT, stating, "The CID has declared a reward of Rs 1 lakh for anyone providing credible information about the whereabouts of Krishna Andhale. The identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential." This assurance of confidentiality is designed to encourage people to come forward without fear of reprisal.
Coordinated Search Operations Underway
Sources within the department confirmed that following the court's intervention, CID teams have been instructed to coordinate with neighbouring districts and states to track Andhale's movements. This coordinated approach aims to cover potential escape routes and hiding places across jurisdictional boundaries.
With the announcement of the reward and this renewed investigative push, officials are hopeful that fresh inputs from the public will provide crucial leads that could finally result in Andhale's arrest. The case continues to be a priority for the CID as they work to bring closure to the murder investigation that has remained unresolved for over a year.
