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Two Decades of Evasion: After remaining out of reach for almost twenty years, law enforcement authorities finally succeeded in arresting a man who had been absconding in connection with a minor theft case registered in the year 2006. The arrest highlights the persistence of the police force and sends a clear message that evading the law, no matter how long, does not guarantee freedom from accountability.

The accused, identified as Babu Laxman Sankole, had managed to avoid arrest for nearly two decades by constantly changing his place of residence and adopting a low-profile lifestyle. His case, once considered inactive due to the lack of leads, was recently reopened following renewed efforts by a special police team.

Background of the Long-Pending Case

The case dates back to July 10, 2006, when a complaint was filed regarding the theft of a car stereo worth Rs 4,000. The complainant had reported that the stereo system was stolen from his vehicle, which was parked outside his residence in a residential locality of Latur city. At the time, the theft was registered under the relevant section of the Indian Penal Code dealing with theft-related offences.

Within a few days of the complaint, police had arrested the accused and initiated legal proceedings. However, after being released on bail, the accused failed to appear before the court. Shortly thereafter, he vanished without a trace, prompting authorities to declare him absconding.

How the Accused Managed to Evade Arrest

For nearly twenty years, the accused successfully avoided law enforcement agencies by frequently shifting his location. According to officials, he deliberately avoided settling in one place for long and chose occupations that allowed him to remain unnoticed. His continuous movement across rural areas made it extremely difficult for the police to track him.

Over time, due to the absence of actionable information and the passage of years, the case file was moved to dormant records. Despite this, the accused remained officially wanted, and the case was never formally closed.

Revival of the Dormant Investigation

Recently, a dedicated police squad in Latur district decided to review and reopen several long-pending cases, including this one. The team conducted a detailed analysis of old records, witness statements, and possible movement patterns of the accused. This systematic review proved to be a turning point in the investigation.

Acting on a specific tip-off received earlier this week, the police learned that the accused was working as a sugarcane cutter in a rural area under Ausa tehsil. The information suggested that he was employed seasonally and living a modest life to avoid suspicion.

Arrest Operation and Confirmation

Based on the intelligence received, the police team conducted discreet verification to confirm the identity of the individual. After confirming that the person working in the sugarcane fields matched the details of the absconding accused, the team moved swiftly to apprehend him.

The arrest was carried out without any resistance. Officials stated that the accused appeared to have accepted his fate after years of living in hiding. He was taken into custody on Monday and produced before a local court.

Legal Proceedings and Judicial Custody

Following his arrest, the accused was presented before the court, which reviewed the case history and the circumstances surrounding his prolonged absence. Considering the seriousness of absconding after being released on bail, the court remanded him to judicial custody until January 27.

Authorities confirmed that further legal procedures would follow, and the case would now proceed as per the law. The arrest has brought closure to a case that had remained unresolved for almost two decades.

Significance of the Arrest

This arrest serves as an important reminder that legal accountability does not expire with time. Even in cases involving relatively small monetary value, the justice system continues to pursue offenders. The successful capture of the accused reflects the effectiveness of renewed investigative efforts and the importance of revisiting dormant cases.

Police officials emphasized that reopening old cases not only strengthens public trust but also deters individuals who believe they can escape justice by going underground. The operation stands as an example of persistence, patience, and dedication within the law enforcement system.