New Delhi, September 18: After two years on the run, police finally caught a fugitive wanted in sensational murder in Sarita Vihar. The accused, 27-year-old Somnath Patro, was arrested in Gurugram on Thursday. He was the prime suspect in the brutal killing of 39-year-old Ardhendu Mandal in 2023. Since then, he had been hiding from law enforcement using fake names and moving from place to place.
The murder happened on September 15, 2023, at Mandal’s home in Aali Vihar, Sarita Vihar. Investigators said that Patro and his accomplices attacked him with a knife, causing his death on the spot. The police quickly registered an FIR the next day under several sections of the IPC, including murder (Section 302) and conspiracy (Section 120B).
Soon after, police arrested five others linked to the crime. However, Patro managed to escape. A Delhi court declared him a Proclaimed Offender, officially marking him as a criminal trying to avoid capture. This status gave police the authority to intensify their search across state lines.
The Anti-Narcotics Squad of Delhi Police later took charge of the investigation. Officers used both modern tracking technology and old-fashioned surveillance methods to monitor his movements. Head Constable Mohit Vashisth finally traced Patro to Gurugram, where he was living with a false identity.
Police discovered that Patro worked as a delivery boy to blend in with the crowd. He also kept changing his mobile phones and locations to stay out of reach. Despite his efforts, Inspector Vishnu Dutt and his team, including SI Sudhir and ASI Upender, organized a special raid at Lohiya Farms in Bhondsi. The operation was quiet and quick, leading to his arrest without resistance.
During questioning, Patro admitted that he had been living under constant fear. Before the murder, he had already faced police cases, including one filed at the CR Park Police Station in Delhi. His neighborhood in Sarita Vihar had seen increasing violent crimes, reflecting a larger trend in parts of Delhi where rapid growth has also brought more criminal activity.
Experts believe that cities like Gurugram and Delhi face both progress and challenges. The fast expansion creates jobs but also increases opportunities for criminals. Police say they continue to struggle with limited manpower while crime networks evolve quickly.
Authorities now aim to ensure that justice is served for the victim and his family. Patro’s arrest marks a breakthrough in the case and strengthens the investigation against others involved.
This case also acts as a warning for society. It shows how crime can affect families and neighborhoods, but it also proves that law enforcement remains committed to tracking fugitives. The capture of Somnath Patro is a strong reminder that even a fugitive wanted in sensational murder cannot escape justice forever.
