Police in Sambalpur arrested Mangulu Rout, who evaded authorities for 18 years after his conviction in a murder case. Officers captured him at his home in Tapakera village on November 28, 2025.
Mangulu Raut killed his cousin Gopal Rout in 2002 during a land dispute. Police registered Case No. 73/2002 under Section 302 of the IPC and arrested him. The court sentenced him to 14 years in prison after reviewing evidence and witness testimony.
Raut served five years before securing parole. He failed to return to prison and fled. Police searched for him but could not locate him. He worked as a labourer in Himachal Pradesh while hiding his identity.
Police received information about his return to Tapakera village. Officers moved quickly and arrested him at his residence. Investigators confirmed that he lived in Himachal Pradesh for years while avoiding capture.
Authorities registered a new case under Section 224 of the IPC for escaping lawful custody. Police produced him in court and began fresh proceedings.
Sambalpur SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamu confirmed the arrest and stated that police will question Raut further. Officers expect more details about his years in hiding. Police also plan to investigate whether others helped him during his absconding period.
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