Notorious dacoit Jagan Gurjar, lodged in Rajasthan high security prison in Ajmer, was found dead inside his barrack on Monday in what police suspect to be a murder. Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Agrawal confirmed the incident, adding that an investigation is underway.
According to police, the incident likely occurred between 11am and 3pm, when the prisoners remained locked inside their barracks as per prison protocol. During a routine inspection after the barracks were opened, prison staff found Gurjar dead. His cellmate was also inside the barracks at the time.
A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory arrived at the prison and examined the scene and collected evidence. Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances that led to Gurjar’s death, including the motive and sequence of events.
Officials said Gurjar shared the barrack with Vishnu, an accused in the high-profile Kuldeep Jaghina murder case from Bharatpur. Investigators questioned Vishnu.
Who is Jagan Gurjar?
Jagan Gurjar was among the most feared bandits in the Chambal region, and his influence extended across the valleys of the Dholpur Dhan district, where he operated for several years. More than 100 criminal cases have been registered against him, including murder, dacoity, robbery, extortion, kidnapping and offenses under the Arms Act, in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
He came into national limelight during the Gurjar reservation agitation in 2008 after he threatened to blow up the Dholpur Palace of former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.
At that time, police announced a reward of $11 lakh for his arrest, making him one of the most wanted robbers in Chambal district.
Gurjar surrendered before Bharatpur District Inspector General of Police, Malini Agarwal, in Bayana on August 19, 2018, after years on the run.
More details about the murder are awaited as the investigation progresses.
