In a remarkable operation, the Gujarat’s Surat Police have apprehended a long-sought criminal who had been evading justice for the past 23 years. Gauranga Charan Panda, alias Padmacharan, hailing from Sriram Nagar in Odisha’s Berhampur, was arrested from Kunjkuti Ashram in Mathura. The arrest marks the conclusion of an extensive and determined pursuit to bring him to justice.
The fugitive, Padmacharan, was allegedly involved in a murder case that took place in Surat, Gujarat, on September 3, 2021. According to reports, he was in a relationship with a woman in the Shantinagar area of Surat, but this love affair turned tragic when Padmacharan discovered that the woman also had a romantic involvement with another man named Vijay Sivdasa. Consumed by jealousy and one-sided affection, Padmacharan reportedly killed Vijay and disposed of his body with the help of his associates.
Following the heinous crime, Padmacharan quickly fled Surat and sought refuge in his hometown of Berhampur, where he went into hiding for a while. Sensing the mounting pressure from the law enforcement agencies, he later changed his identity to Guranga Charan and assumed the appearance of a monk, taking shelter at Kunjkuti Ashram in Mathura.
The Surat Police, determined to bring the fugitive to justice, received credible information about his whereabouts. In a meticulously planned decoy operation, a police team disguised as sadhus reached the ashram and discreetly observed Padmacharan’s activities, confirming his presence at the location. After monitoring his movements and ensuring the safety of everyone involved, the police successfully apprehended the accused, bringing an end to his 23-year-long evasion of the law.
The arrest of Gauranga Charan Panda alias Padmacharan comes as a significant success for the Surat Police, who had been diligently pursuing justice for the victim and his family for over two decades. Notably, Padmacharan had a cash reward of Rs 45,000 on his head, indicating the severity of his alleged crimes and the urgency to capture him.
Surat Police Commissioner, Ajay Kumar Tomar, commended the efforts of his team and expressed satisfaction at finally bringing the accused to justice. He emphasized the importance of continuous efforts to solve cold cases and apprehend criminals who believe they can escape the clutches of the law.
The arrest serves as a reminder that evading the law does not equate to escaping the consequences of one’s actions. As the legal process unfolds, Gauranga Charan Panda alias Padmacharan will now face the charges against him and undergo a fair trial to determine his culpability for the murder that occurred more than two decades ago. The apprehension of the fugitive brings a sense of closure to the victim’s family and offers a glimmer of hope for all those seeking justice for long-standing unresolved cases.
Sources By Agencies
