Fugitive in Jaipur Molestation Case Apprehended Following Dramatic Court Escape Attempt
A 33-year-old fugitive, whose brazen sexual harassment of a pregnant woman triggered widespread outrage across Jaipur after CCTV footage went viral, was brought to the city on a production warrant on Friday. This followed a dramatic and unsuccessful escape attempt while he was being produced in a court in Morena, Madhya Pradesh.
Failed Escape and Subsequent Capture
Police officials confirmed that the accused, identified as Rahul Ghuraiya alias Raj, was transported to Jaipur under a production warrant after sustaining fractures during his desperate bid to flee custody in Morena. According to authorities, Ghuraiya made a calculated move to resurface on April 15 at a Morena court, where he quietly filed a surrender application in connection with a 2018 dacoity case.
When produced before the court, the accused attempted to escape but was quickly overpowered by law enforcement personnel. During the struggle, he sustained fractures in his hands and legs. After receiving initial medical treatment, he was transported to Jaipur and formally arrested.
Criminal History and Multiple Arrests
DCP (East) Ranjita Sharma revealed that the main accused has an extensive criminal history, with 33 cases registered against him in Madhya Pradesh and an additional five cases in Jaipur. These include serious offences under the Arms Act, attempt to murder, assault, PITA Act, and multiple molestation charges.
Investigators disclosed that during interrogation, Ghuraiya confessed to molesting at least four women at different locations across Jaipur over the past month. Police have now connected separate FIRs lodged at respective police stations to the accused for other molestation incidents reported in Sanganer, Bajaj Nagar, and Ramnagaria areas.
Accomplices and Operational Details
Two accomplices who assisted Ghuraiya during his time on the run have also been arrested. Police identified them as Shubham Aggarwal alias Siddharth, a 29-year-old resident of Niwai in Tonk currently living in Malviya Nagar, and Babulal Barala, a 28-year-old from Muhana. Both were apprehended for sheltering and aiding the fugitive.
Authorities revealed that for nearly six months prior to the incident, the trio had been operating spa centres in Jawahar Circle and Sanganer areas of Jaipur. Investigators are currently examining these establishments for possible links to other criminal activities.
Incident That Sparked Public Outrage
The case that ignited citywide anger dates back to March 25, when Ghuraiya allegedly molested a pregnant woman in Malviya Nagar. The incident was captured on CCTV cameras but was formally reported only on April 12 after the video footage went viral on social media platforms.
As public anger intensified following the video's circulation, the accused vanished from Jaipur. With assistance from his associates, he fled the city in a car and began moving between various locations, constantly shifting hideouts to evade law enforcement.
Police disclosed that during his time on the run, Ghuraiya altered his appearance by shaving his beard and moustache and took shelter in multiple locations including Pali, various parts of Gujarat, Gwalior, and ultimately Morena. Authorities have seized the car used by the trio during their escape period.
The successful apprehension of the fugitive brings some closure to a case that had gripped Jaipur for weeks, highlighting both the persistence of law enforcement and the serious nature of the crimes committed.
