Palghar, Maharashtra: A convicted murderer, who had been a fugitive for approximately four years after absconding while on parole, has been successfully arrested by the Crime Branch Unit 2 of the Vasai-Virar Police. The accused, Shankar Jagdish Mukhiya alias Samosewala, was apprehended from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district in Punjab after a sustained two-month manhunt.
The Crime
Mukhiya, a resident of Dhaniv Baug Talav area in Nalasopara East, had been convicted for the 2016 murder of Dilip Raghunath Basnet. The crime occurred on the evening of September 15, 2016, when a dispute erupted between Mukhiya and Basnet after Mukhiya made lewd remarks about Basnet’s wife.
The altercation escalated, leading to Mukhiya fatally attacking Basnet with a sharp weapon. A murder case under IPC Section 302 was registered at Waliv Police Station, and Mukhiya was later found guilty and sentenced by the Vasai Sessions Court.
Absconding After Parole
While serving his sentence at Thane Central Jail, Mukhiya was granted emergency parole and released on May 7, 2022, to his residence in Nalasopara East. However, after the parole period expired, Mukhiya failed to return to prison or a police station. Consequently, a case under IPC Section 224 (escape from lawful custody) was registered at Pelhar Police Station by the jail authorities.
Despite repeated summons, Mukhiya remained untraceable. He was believed to have changed his identity multiple times and avoided detection by frequently shifting locations. Initial investigations revealed he was not present either at his registered address or his native village in Bihar.
Arrest in Punjab
Acting on the orders of senior officials, Crime Branch Unit 2 launched a parallel investigation. After weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering through informants, police received credible information that the fugitive had relocated to Punjab and was residing in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district under a false identity.
A special police team was dispatched to Punjab. With support from local law enforcement, the team successfully arrested Shankar Jagdish Mukhiya from the jurisdiction of Banga Police Station. The accused is now in police custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further legal proceedings.
