Kota, October 8 (Udaipur Kiran): In a major breakthrough, Kota police have arrested the main accused in the murder and robbery of a 70-year-old grocery shop owner from the Udyog Nagar police station area, just eight days after the incident. The accused was captured from the forest area near Dhadh Devi Canal after an extensive search operation.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Tejaswini Gautam informed that the accused, Surendra Bairwa (35), a resident of Gulab Bari, Raipura, is a drug addict and works as a painter. He was arrested after police teams used technical surveillance and examined over 1,000 CCTV footage from Vadodara, Jaipur, Baran, and Mathura.

The Incident

On September 29, Badri Bai, wife of deceased Babulal (70), lodged a report stating that an unidentified person had attacked her husband with a mortar pestle (moosal) with the intent to kill him. The attacker struck multiple blows on his head and body, leaving him critically injured. The accused then broke open a wooden chest and stole ₹50,000 cash, a driving license, and a Jan Aadhaar card.

Babulal succumbed to his injuries during treatment on October 2, turning the case into one of murder and robbery.

The Investigation

Taking the case seriously, police formed multiple teams under the supervision of Additional SP Dilip Saini, Circle Officer Lokendra Paliwal, and SHO Jitendra Singh. The accused posed a challenge as he had no mobile phone and frequently changed locations.

After several days of surveillance and intelligence gathering, police received a tip-off that Surendra had returned to Kota to meet his mother. When police teams approached, the accused tried to flee into the Dhadh Devi forest area.

During the chase, he jumped into the canal to escape, but Constable Dharmendra showed exemplary courage by diving into the water and apprehending him. Both sustained minor injuries and were given first aid.

Motive and Criminal Record

During interrogation, Surendra Bairwa confessed that he was intoxicated and facing financial hardship. Seeing Babulal alone in his shop, he decided to rob him and attacked him fatally.

Police also revealed that the accused has a criminal history, with five previous cases registered under the Excise Act, Arms Act, and theft at the Udyog Nagar Police Station.

The arrest marks a significant success for Kota Police, showcasing their determination and teamwork in solving a complex case involving murder, robbery, and cross-district pursuit.