Mumbai Police Arrest Fugitive 48 Years After 1977 Attempted Murder

Introduction

In a stunning development, the Mumbai Police have arrested a man who had been evading the law for nearly five decades. The accused, Chandrashekhar Madhukar Kalekar, 71, is linked to an attempted murder case from 1977 in Colaba, when he allegedly attacked his girlfriend with a knife.

The Crime That Sparked a Long Hunt

At the time, Kalekar was 23 years old and reportedly acted out of suspicion that his girlfriend was unfaithful. After the attack, he was briefly arrested but released on bail, after which he disappeared and failed to appear for subsequent court hearings. Over the years, multiple warrants were issued, and Kalekar was eventually declared a proclaimed offender.

Decades of Evasion

Kalekar’s trail went cold when he moved from Haji Kasam Chawl in Lalbaug, a building later redeveloped. Police combed through electoral rolls, public records, and transport databases without success. Six months ago, the Colaba Police reopened the case and renewed their search, leaving no stone unturned.

Breakthrough in Dapoli

The key lead came from a 2015 criminal case registered at Dapoli Police Station, where Kalekar was involved in a road rage incident. Acting on this, police visited his recorded address in Dapoli, Ratnagiri district, late Monday night. To their surprise, the accused was residing there.

“He was shocked to see us after 48 years. He had almost forgotten the case entirely,” said a senior officer.

Identification and Confession

Given the passage of nearly five decades, it was challenging to identify Kalekar solely from old photographs. However, after questioning, he confessed to the 1977 attack, bringing closure to a case long considered cold.

Judicial Proceedings

Kalekar was immediately produced before a Mumbai court and remanded to judicial custody, where he awaits further legal proceedings. Authorities emphasized that the arrest demonstrates that time does not erase accountability under the law.

Police Statement

A senior Mumbai Police officer said,

“Even after 48 years, we pursued this case relentlessly. This arrest is proof that justice may be delayed, but it is never denied.”