Atar Singh Bhadana Murder Case (Patrika File Photo)

Bharatpur: Bharatpur Police have arrested Mukesh, son of Harjyan, alias Mukesh Fauji, the main accused in the murder of former MLA Atar Singh Bhadana.

Mukesh had been absconding since the murder. Police had been raiding places to trace him, including the homes of his family members and relatives. He has now been arrested.

After the arrest, Mukesh Fauji was brought to Vair police station, where SP Rajesh Meena questioned him late at night.

Police are now gathering information on the sequence of events in the murder, the roles of the other accused and other aspects of the case. Police had already arrested five accused in the case.

Mukesh Fauji Led Sit-in for Two Years

Mukesh Fauji had been leading a dharna (sit-in) for around two years, demanding closure of the lease.

He has also been mentioned in the cases registered by the wife of former MLA Atar Singh Bhadana. His role in the investigation is therefore considered important for police.

Notice Served for Bulldozer Action on His House

While Mukesh Fauji was absconding after the murder, the administration had also served a notice for bulldozer action on his house.

Following his arrest, police expect to learn more facts about the case and the sequence of events from his questioning. Further action will be taken on the basis of the police investigation.

Social Media Posts and Claims of Incitement by Security Personnel Surface

The police inquiry found that for the past few days, provocative posts about the route to the lease had been put up on some social media platforms. These posts were being made viral by involving women and men.

After a minor dispute on 7 October, the protesters were removed from the dharna site on the day of the incident.

It had also emerged that security personnel of former MLA Atar Singh Bhadana had allegedly incited people through videos. Some of the security personnel were reported to be from the Dholpur area. Police were examining all these videos.

Five Accused Sent on Two-Day Police Remand

Police had produced the arrested Bhagmal, Soni, Sher Singh, Baldev and Kunwar Singh before judicial magistrate Suvihay Hafiz Siddiqui.

Police had sought three-day police custody (PC) remand. The court, however, handed the five accused over to police on two-day remand.

Accused Suspected of Hiding at Relatives' Homes

Villagers of Bhaunda had relatives in nearby villages, especially in the Bayana area. Because of the Dang and hilly areas there, it had been suspected that the accused could be hiding at their relatives' homes.

Police raided several places, but the accused had fled before they arrived. Police teams were also sent to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on suspicion that the main accused were hiding there.