In a sensational development from Odisha’s Jajpur district, a murder accused who had been absconding for more than three decades was finally arrested by police after 32 years, bringing an end to one of the district’s longest manhunts.

The arrest of 58-year-old Rabindra Mallick has sparked widespread discussion across the state and once again highlighted that the law eventually catches up, no matter how long a person manages to stay on the run.

Rabindra, a resident of Nuahat village under Kuakhia police limits in Jajpur district, had been absconding since October 21, 1994, in connection with a murder case. He was accused of killing his elder uncle’s son, Parmananda, following an alleged dispute over a plough received as a gift. Following the incident, Rabindra disappeared and remained elusive for over three decades.

According to reports, Rabindra adopted extraordinary measures to avoid arrest. Police investigations revealed that he had created secret hiding arrangements and escape mechanisms inside his house to evade capture. Whenever police or outsiders approached unexpectedly, he would reportedly disappear within moments, leaving officers puzzled for years.

Despite several police raids based on intelligence inputs regarding his presence at home, Rabindra repeatedly managed to escape. Authorities said he frequently returned to meet his family but would vanish whenever there was any sign of danger. His repeated escapes eventually led a local court to declare him an absconder.

To stay hidden, Rabindra allegedly changed his identity and appearance over the years. Reports suggest that he even obtained an Aadhaar card using his in-laws’ address and frequently shifted locations to avoid detection. During this period, he reportedly worked as a mason in different states while continuing to remain out of police reach.

After years of unsuccessful attempts, police intensified surveillance in his village and strengthened their intelligence network. Plainclothes personnel were also deployed as part of a carefully planned operation.

Also Read: Rape and murder attempt on woman: Odisha Police arrests accused from Dhenkanal

On Friday night, acting on fresh intelligence inputs, police carried out another raid after learning that Rabindra had returned home. This time, however, officers uncovered the secret behind his years of successful escapes.

Investigations revealed that Rabindra had constructed a hidden tunnel behind his house. Police found that a large concealed opening had been built into a wall, allowing him to quickly slip inside and hide whenever anyone arrived unexpectedly. To ensure the passage remained undetected, an almirah had reportedly been strategically placed in front of the entrance.

“He (Rabindra) was hiding in a tunnel on his backyard through a hole in the wall to evade police. To ensure the passage remained undetected, an almirah had been placed in front of the entrance,” said Jajpur Road SDPO Sharat Chandra Patra.

However, Friday night brought an end to Rabindra’s decades-long game of hide-and-seek with police. After remaining on the run for 32 years, he was finally arrested, bringing closure to a case that had remained unresolved for over three decades. 

“Rabindra had committed a murder following an altercation. Many people had gathered at the place at that time,” said Rabindra’s relative Anand Mallick.

“This time police removed the almirah and arrested him from the tunnel in which he was hiding. He had two warrants against him,” said Jajpur Road SDPO Sharat Chandra Patra.