Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 24: In a major breakthrough, Mumbai Police have arrested a businessman who had been absconding for nearly two decades in connection with a cheating and forgery case registered in 2006.

The accused, identified as Sudesh Sudevan Raghavan (46), was apprehended by the Colaba Police Externment Squad from Mira Road in neighbouring Thane district late on June 23.

According to police, the case was registered under Sections 465, 467, 468, 471 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. Despite repeated efforts since 2006, the accused had remained untraceable for almost 20 years.

Officials said the Colaba Police Externment Squad had been actively pursuing the case over the past four months as part of a special drive to trace wanted and absconding accused persons.

During verification of records, investigators discovered that Raghavan had earlier been arrested by Narpoli Police in 2021. Based on this lead, police coordinated with the concerned team and gathered further information about his movements.

Using technical intelligence inputs, a targeted search operation was launched in the Mira Road area on June 23, leading to his arrest. He was subsequently brought to Colaba Police Station for questioning.

Police said preliminary investigations established the accused's involvement in the offence, and he reportedly admitted his role during interrogation. He was formally placed under arrest thereafter.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I), the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Colaba Division and the Senior Police Inspector of Colaba Police Station.

Further investigation is underway.