In a rare case highlighting the revival of decades-old criminal records, the Madhya Pradesh Police have arrested a 65-year-old man for stealing wheat worth Rs. 100 nearly 45 years ago.
The incident dates back to 1980, when wheat was stolen from an agricultural field near Palghat village in the Palgharwad area of Khargone district. At the time, the police registered a case against Salim and six others in connection with the theft. Salim, who was 20 years old then, allegedly fled the village soon after the incident.
Following the case, Salim moved with his family to the neighbouring Dhar district, where he has since been living and running a small shop for several decades. The case remained unresolved as Salim continued to evade the authorities.
Recently, as part of a special drive to trace absconding accused in long-pending cases across the State, the police reopened old records. Acting on fresh information provided by one of Salim’s former associates, the police traced his whereabouts and arrested him after 45 years.
Police officials said the arrest was part of an intensified effort to ensure that even long-forgotten cases are brought to a legal conclusion.
