Murder Accused Living as Saint in Rishikesh Nabbed After 27 Years

In a remarkable turn of events, Delhi Police's Crime Branch has successfully apprehended a 77-year-old man, known as Ramdas alias Tillu, who was wanted for a murder committed nearly three decades ago. The arrest was made in Rishikesh, shedding light on a case that remained unresolved for 27 years.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Amit Goel, revealed that the accused had been on the run since 1997 following the murder of a truck helper amidst a property dispute in Delhi's Okhla area. The breakthrough came after the police received information suggesting Ramdas might be hiding in Rishikesh.

To capture Ramdas, the crime branch team employed an unconventional strategy. They infiltrated a local bhandara (a communal meal provided at temples) as volunteers. This operation spanned three days, during which they meticulously worked to confirm the identity of Ramdas before making their move.

According to Goel, after committing the murder, Ramdas fled to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. There, he assumed a new identity and obtained fake identification documents. Over the years, he disguised himself as a saint and frequented various religious sites across northern India, including Haridwar and Rishikesh.

The police conducted extensive field reconnaissance near his last known location in Rishikesh. Their efforts culminated near Geeta Bhawan, where they finally apprehended him. This arrest not only highlights the persistence of law enforcement but also underscores the lengths to which individuals may go to evade justice.

Ramdas's transformation into a saint and his life on the run across religious locations paint a complex picture of his attempts to blend into society. The case now moves forward as authorities work to bring closure to a chapter that remained open for over a quarter of a century.