Maharashtra Crime: CBI Arrests Absconding Accused After 23 Years In 1998 ₹9-Lakh Misappropriation Case

On August 21, 2026, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended Roop Singh, a Proclaimed Offender (PO) who had evaded capture for 23 years, in connection with a 1998 case of criminal misappropriation involving approximately Rs 9 lakh worth of goods. The theft and misappropriation allegedly took place on September 27, 1998, when two truck drivers, Babu Khan and Aslam Khan, stole goods including ghee and mung that were loaded onto two trucks.

CBI Takes Over Investigation The High Court of Judicature of Bombay at Aurangabad, in a February 25, 2002 ruling, transferred the investigation of the case to the CBI, which subsequently re-registered the case on April 5, 2002. The CBI filed charges against Roop Singh, Arjun Singh, Babu Khan, and Aslam Khan for criminal misappropriation, conspiracy, and abetment on December 19, 2003.

The investigation revealed that Roop Singh and Arjun Singh conspired with the truck drivers to misappropriate the goods intended for delivery to another party. Alleged Conspirators Released on Bail Roop Singh and Arjun Singh were later released on bail and subsequently went into hiding, being declared Proclaimed Offenders on November 11, 2010.

CBI's Pursuit of Accused Following extensive efforts, the CBI finally apprehended Roop Singh on August 21, 2026, after his 23-year fugitive status. Earlier, Arjun Singh was arrested on November 7, 2025, after remaining at large for nearly 22 years. This significant arrest highlights the CBI's unwavering commitment to tracking down and bringing absconding accused to justice.