Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 22: The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a 72-year-old man who had allegedly been evading arrest for nearly 15 years in connection with an extortion case.
The accused, identified as Hari Singh Shekhawat, a resident of Jaipur, Rajasthan, had been declared a proclaimed offender by a court in 2016.
The case dates back to March 2008, when Shekhawat allegedly attempted to extort money from a prominent garment multinational where he was employed.
A case involving allegations of extortion, criminal intimidation and attempt to commit offences was registered against him on March 15, 2008.
Police said Shekhawat repeatedly failed to appear before the court and continued to evade legal proceedings. He was subsequently declared a proclaimed offender on April 2, 2016.
The Special Cell's South-Western Range team had been conducting surveillance to trace criminals who had been absconding for long periods.
During the investigation, police found that Shekhawat had initially moved to Gujarat and later shifted to Rajasthan in an apparent attempt to avoid arrest and legal proceedings.
After more than a month of surveillance, the police team received specific information on August 13 that Shekhawat was hiding in Jaipur.
A team led by Sub-Inspector Rakesh, along with SI Vishal Tiwari and Head Constables Naveen Chillar, Naveen Sharma and Kuldeep, was dispatched to Jaipur.
The team conducted searches and eventually traced Shekhawat to a residential society in the city. After confirming his identity and residence, police apprehended and arrested him in accordance with the law.
According to the Special Cell, Shekhawat is a graduate of Xavier School of Management, formerly known as Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), and had held senior positions in several multinational companies.
Police said he was working with a garment multinational in 2008 when he allegedly attempted to extort money from the company.
His arrest brings to an end a lengthy interstate search during which investigators traced his movements across Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Further investigation into the case is underway.