780 Days, 5 Investigation Officers, One Preventable Murder

Third Accused Caught In Murder Of Rape Survivor’s Uncle

Rajkot: The arrests of prime accused Mahendrasinh Jadeja and Yashpalsinh Jadeja on the Gujarat–Rajasthan border on Sunday came more than two years after a Pocso case was registered against them in April 2024.

On May 20 night, they brazenly killed the girl’s uncle after he and the family refused to strike a “compromise.” His deceased brother (survivor’s father) had reportedly approached the police and informed them about the duo’s location, but the cops didn’t act.

On Wednesday, the police arrested the third accused, Pruthvi Jadeja, a cousin of Mahendrasinh, who had allegedly provided key information to him by tracking the 43-year-old murder victim’s movements and sharing details, including his daily routine, vehicle model, and registration number, before the murder. He suffered nine fatal injuries from sharp-edged weapons.

During questioning, Mahendrasinh told police that he and Pruthvi had remained in regular contact for nearly a year through Instagram voice calls. Pruthvi’s mobile phone has been seized and sent for forensic analysis.
Range IG Nirlipt Rai suspended four police personnel for negligence and lapses.

“Had the two prime accused been arrested earlier after they were booked under the Pocs, her uncle would have been alive today,” a family member of the victim said.

So far, police have recovered three bladed weapons, two cars, and four mobile phones allegedly used in the crime.

Police said Pruthvi, who is engaged in farming, has no prior criminal record.

The probe has also widened to examine whether Mahendrasinh and Yashpalsinh received financial help while absconding. Police are questioning those suspected of sheltering or assisting them, along with people who allegedly pressured the survivor’s family to withdraw or settle the Pocso case.

How did accused get sim cards?
Investigators are also probing how the accused managed to procure sim cards while absconding. Rajkot superintendent of police Vijay Singh Gurjar said the accused allegedly used identity documents belonging to others after befriending strangers and claiming they did not possess Aadhaar cards. Police are tracing the sim card holders across states and recording their statements.
Police said the accused moved through several districts while on the run, including Morbi, Kutch, and Banaskantha. Teams will visit these places for further investigation, evidence collection, and witness statements
Villages near Padadhari are rife with discussions over whether some caste influence of those linked to the case played a role in the duo evading arrest for a staggering 780 days.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026