Overview of the Case
After 26 years of evading police, Raj Kishore, a 55-year-old man, was arrested for kidnapping and murdering an 8-year-old boy from Delhi. This tragic crime happened on December 28, 1993. The boy was the child of a garment factory owner in Kalyanpuri, East Delhi, an area known for its busy garment industry.
Details of the Crime
On that fateful day, Kishore and a partner kidnapped the boy and demanded a ransom of ₹30,000. They assured the family that the child would be returned safely. Regrettably, after receiving the money, they killed the boy by strangling him. They then discarded his body in a nearby drain.
Conviction and Escape
In 1996, the court found Kishore guilty and sentenced him to life in prison. Authorities lodged him in Tihar Jail. In 1999, the Delhi High Court granted him a six-week parole. However, he jumped parole and never returned. After his escape, officials eventually declared him a proclaimed offender in 2014. This case sparked important discussions about India’s parole laws.
The Long Search
Kishore spent the next several years hiding in various states across India. After escaping, he first moved to Patna for four years. Then, he lived in Jaipur for around 13 years. He also spent three years in Barnala, Punjab. While in hiding, he worked various odd jobs to survive and managed to avoid getting caught.
During this period, Kishore occasionally visited his village in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh. While he was growing more comfortable with his new life, he did not stay in one place for too long.
Return to Kanpur
As the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Kishore returned to Kanpur. There, he established a tailoring business while continuing to live under a false identity. His return marked a significant point in his long attempt to evade law enforcement.
Recent Developments
Recently, the Delhi Police Crime Branch stepped up its efforts to track down long-time parole jumpers. They particularly focused on those involved in serious crimes. Authorities received tips that Kishore was back in Kanpur. Nonetheless, despite several attempts to catch him, he managed to escape capture, thanks in part to local support.
After two months of strategic planning and investigation, police finally succeeded in luring him to Ghaziabad. On August 2, 2023, police arrested Kishore in Khoda Colony, Ghaziabad. This arrest involved over ten police personnel and marked the end of a long search for justice.
The Impact of the Crime
This case drew significant attention in 1993, highlighting the vital issues of child safety and crime in urban India. It sparked discussions about the need for better child protection laws. Community advocates and policymakers began focusing on how to prevent such tragic events from happening again.
Current Status
As for Kishore, he now faces the consequences of his actions after spending over two decades on the run. His accomplice in the 1993 kidnapping has completed his sentence years ago. The conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and justice.
Conclusion
This story reflects the broader challenges of crime prevention and the safety of children in India. Law enforcement relentlessly worked for years to ensure justice was served, no matter how long it took.
